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The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2015–2030 emphasize ending poverty, promoting social equity, and ensuring sustainable development. In response, India has revised and launched various poverty alleviation schemes targeting employment, food security, financial inclusion, skill development, and social protection.
1. Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), 2005 (Expanded Focus Post-SDGs)
- Provides 100 days of guaranteed wage employment per year to rural households.
- Aims to reduce rural poverty, create durable assets, and ensure social security.
- Post-2015: Emphasis on convergence with SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).
2. Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) – Housing for All
- Objective: Affordable housing for urban and rural poor by 2022.
- Post-2015 SDGs: Contributes to SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).
- Provides subsidies, loans, and construction support for housing.
3. National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013 (Strengthened Post-SDGs)
- Provides subsidized food grains to 75% of rural and 50% of urban population.
- Ensures food and nutritional security, directly contributing to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger).
- Post-2015: Focus on malnutrition reduction and inclusion of pregnant women and children.
4. Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), 2014
- Financial inclusion scheme: access to bank accounts, credit, insurance, and pensions.
- Post-SDGs: Promotes economic empowerment, reduces vulnerability, and ensures social security.
- Linked to SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 8 (Economic Growth).
5. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY)
- Focuses on skill development and employment for rural youth.
- Ensures sustainable livelihoods, aligned with SDG 8 (Decent Work).
- Post-2015: Integration with rural poverty reduction strategies.
6. Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban (PMAY-U)
- Target: Affordable housing for urban poor.
- Provides subsidized loans and incentives for construction or upgradation of homes.
- Contributes to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and poverty alleviation.
7. National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP)
- Provides pensions to the elderly, widows, and disabled below poverty line.
- Aligns with SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).
8. Atal Pension Yojana (APY)
- Social security pension scheme for unorganized sector workers.
- Ensures income security in old age, contributing to SDG 1 and SDG 8.
9. Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) Schemes
- Subsidies and welfare payments directly transferred to beneficiaries’ accounts.
- Reduces leakages, corruption, and ensures efficient delivery of benefits.
- Post-2015: Supports SDGs related to poverty, inequality, and social protection.
Conclusion
Post-2015, the Indian government’s poverty alleviation initiatives are aligned with SDGs, focusing on:
- Employment generation (MGNREGA, DDU-GKY)
- Housing security (PMAY)
- Food and nutrition security (NFSA)
- Financial inclusion and social security (PMJDY, NSAP, APY)
These schemes reflect a multi-dimensional approach to poverty reduction, integrating economic, social, and infrastructural interventions in line with global sustainable development goals.