UPSC Mains 2025 GS2 Q16 — Poverty and Resources
Inequality in the ownership pattern of resources is one of the major causes of poverty. Discuss in the context of 'paradox of poverty'. (Answer in 250 words)
Question Decoded — examiner's intent
- Directive verbs
- Discuss
- Scope keywords
- Inequality in the ownership pattern of resourcesmajor causes of povertyparadox of poverty
- Implicit sub-parts
- Explain the 'paradox of poverty' (poverty amidst plenty/resource richness).
- Analyze how skewed ownership of land, capital, and natural resources creates a cycle of deprivation.
- Discuss the role of structural factors (caste, gender, geography) in mediating resource ownership.
- Evaluate why resource-rich regions often remain economically backward (The Resource Curse).
- Common pitfalls
- Focusing only on lack of income instead of the structural lack of 'ownership' (land, credit, skills).
- Failing to explicitly define or address the 'paradox of poverty' as a specific economic concept.
- Ignoring the role of digital and intellectual property as modern resources beyond just physical land.
- Providing a general list of poverty causes like 'population' or 'illiteracy' without linking them to resource ownership patterns.
- Dimensions required
- Economic (Wealth concentration and Gini coefficient)Historical (Land reforms and colonial legacies)Sociological (Marginalization of SCs/STs in resource access)Geopolitical (Regional imbalances in resource-rich states like Jharkhand/Chhattisgarh)Legal/Constitutional (Directive Principles and land rights)
- Marks allocation hint
Spend 50 words defining the paradox and the link between ownership and poverty. Devote 100 words to analyzing the impact of skewed ownership (land, capital, natural resources). Use 70 words to discuss the 'paradox' specifically in resource-rich but poor regions. Conclude with 30 words on policy interventions like land reforms or inclusive credit.
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