📈 EconomyUPSC 1999Fundamentals of Economy

Among which one of the following sets of social/ religious groups is the extent of poverty the highest, as per Government statistics for the nine-ties?

aMuslims in Kerala, Gujarat and A.P.
bTribals in Bihar, Orissa, M.P. and Maharashtra
cScheduled Caste in Punjab, Western UP, Northern Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu
dChristians in Gujarat, Maharashtra and Assam
✓ Correct answer: b) Tribals in Bihar, Orissa, M.P. and Maharashtra
ExplanationOption (b) is correct : In the 1990s, poverty rates among various social and religious groups in India exhibited significant disparities.Government statistics from that peri- od indicate that the Scheduled Tribes (STs) in states such as Bihar, Odisha (formerly Orissa), Madhya Pradesh, and Ma- harashtra experienced some of the highest levels of pover- ty.Several factors contributed to the high poverty rates among Scheduled Tribes in these states during the 1990s:Geographical Isolation: Many ST communities resided in remote areas, limiting their access to essential services and economic opportunities.Limited Access to Education and Healthcare: Educational and healthcare facilities were often inadequate or inaccessible, hindering human capital development.Economic Marginalization: Dependence on traditional livelihoods, coupled with limited integration into the broader economy, exacerbated economic vulnerabilities.344

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