The Saxena Committee was formed by the Government of India to study and evaluate the existing methodology for estimating poverty. The committee, headed by economist N.C. Saxena submitted its report in 2009. The report emphasized the need for a multi-dimensional approach to measuring poverty, taking into account factors such as health, education, and access to basic amenities. It recommended a shift from the consumption-based poverty line to a broader definition of poverty that considers social indicators. The committee’s report provided valuable insights and contributed to the ongoing discourse on poverty alleviation in India.
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Saxena Committee
Poverty has long been a persistent challenge in India, requiring comprehensive strategies for alleviation. In 2009, the Government of India formed the Saxena Committee, led by renowned economist N.C. Saxena, to reevaluate the methodology for estimating poverty. The committee’s report, submitted in 2011, introduced a paradigm shift by emphasizing a multidimensional approach encompassing various deprivation aspects. This blog article delves into the Saxena Committee’s recommendations and their impact on reshaping the understanding of poverty in India.
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Background on the Saxena Committee
The Saxena Committee, officially known as the Expert Group to Review the Methodology for Estimation of Poverty, was established to scrutinize India’s existing poverty estimation methodology. The committee comprised experts from diverse fields, including economists, statisticians, and social scientists. Recognizing the limitations of traditional income-based criteria, the committee embarked on an ambitious task to redefine poverty by considering a range of factors that affect an individual’s overall well-being.
The Saxena Committee Report: A Multidimensional Perspective
The Saxena Committee’s report presented a groundbreaking shift in the conceptualization and measurement of poverty. It argued that poverty could not be adequately captured by examining income levels, as it fails to account for the multidimensional nature of deprivation experienced by individuals and communities.
The committee proposed a new approach, advocating for a multidimensional poverty index that integrated health, education, living conditions, and social exclusion indicators. This holistic approach aimed to capture the complex interplay of factors perpetuating poverty and hindering social mobility.
By expanding the definition of poverty, the committee highlighted the significance of addressing non-income dimensions, including access to clean water, sanitation, healthcare, education, and social inclusion. These factors were recognized as critical determinants of overall well-being and essential components for escaping the cycle of poverty.
Impact and Implications of Saxena Committee
The Saxena Committee’s report sparked intense debates and stimulated meaningful discussions on poverty in India. Its recommendations had far-reaching implications for policy formulation and program implementation in the country.
One of the critical impacts of the report was the shift in focus from an income-centric poverty line to a more comprehensive understanding of poverty. The committee’s multidimensional poverty index provided a more nuanced assessment, enabling policymakers to design targeted interventions addressing specific dimensions of deprivation.
The report also emphasized the need for a participatory approach, recognizing the importance of engaging local communities and stakeholders in poverty estimation and policy formulation. This inclusionary approach aimed to ensure that the voices and experiences of marginalized populations were considered in decision-making processes.
Furthermore, the Saxena Committee’s report influenced subsequent poverty alleviation programs, leading to the development of initiatives such as the National Rural Livelihoods Mission and the National Urban Livelihoods Mission. These programs adopted a multi-pronged approach to eradicating poverty, integrating income-generation activities with access to healthcare, education, and social protection.
Saxena Committee upsc important points
The Saxena Committee and its report on poverty have significant relevance for the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) examination. Here are some important points related to the Saxena Committee that can be helpful for UPSC preparation:
- Formation: The Saxena Committee, officially known as the Expert Group to Review the Methodology for Estimation of Poverty, was formed by the Government of India in 2009.
- Chairman: The committee was chaired by economist N.C. Saxena, who is a renowned expert in the field of poverty and rural development.
- Objective: The primary objective of the Saxena Committee was to evaluate and review the existing methodology for estimating poverty in India.
- Poverty Estimation Methodology: The committee critically examined the traditional income-based criteria for measuring poverty and highlighted its limitations in capturing the multidimensional aspects of deprivation.
- Multidimensional Approach: The Saxena Committee proposed a paradigm shift in measuring poverty by recommending a multidimensional poverty index. This index considered various indicators such as health, education, living conditions, and social exclusion to assess poverty comprehensively.
- Factors Considered: The committee emphasized the importance of factors beyond income, including access to basic amenities like clean water, sanitation, healthcare, education, and social inclusion, in determining the level of poverty.
- Participatory Approach: The committee highlighted the significance of a participatory approach in poverty estimation and policy formulation. It stressed the importance of engaging local communities and stakeholders in decision-making processes.
- Policy Implications: The Saxena Committee’s report had significant implications for policy formulation and implementation in poverty alleviation programs. Its recommendations influenced the development of initiatives such as the National Rural Livelihoods Mission and the National Urban Livelihoods Mission.
- Holistic Perspective: The committee’s report advocated for a holistic understanding of poverty that considers the interplay of various dimensions of deprivation. This perspective aimed to address the root causes of poverty and facilitate sustainable development.
- Impact on National Discourse: The Saxena Committee’s report stimulated important discussions and debates on poverty in India. It contributed to the ongoing discourse on poverty alleviation and shaped the understanding of poverty as a multidimensional issue.
These key points provide a glimpse into the significance of the Saxena Committee and its report on poverty in the context of the UPSC examination. Understanding these points can help candidates effectively address questions related to poverty estimation methodologies, poverty eradication programs, and the multidimensional nature of poverty in India.
Conclusion – Saxena Committee
The Saxena Committee’s report on poverty estimation in India marked a significant turning point in the country’s fight against deprivation. By broadening the scope of poverty measurement beyond income, the committee brought attention to the multiple dimensions contributing to poverty and offered a more comprehensive understanding of the issue.
The committee’s recommendations facilitated a shift in policy discourse and paved the way for targeted interventions encompassing education, healthcare, sanitation, and social inclusion. As India continues to tackle poverty, the Saxena Committee’s report serves as a reminder of the importance of adopting a multidimensional perspective, ensuring that poverty eradication efforts address the diverse needs and challenges the most face.
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FAQs on Saxena Committee
Q1: What is the Saxena Committee?
A1: The Saxena Committee, officially known as the Expert Group to Review the Methodology for Estimation of Poverty, was formed by the Government of India in 2009. It was tasked with evaluating the existing methodology for measuring poverty in the country.
Q2: Who chaired the Saxena Committee?
A2: The Saxena Committee was chaired by economist N.C. Saxena, who has extensive experience in the field of poverty alleviation and rural development.
Q3: What was the objective of the Saxena Committee?
A3: The primary objective of the Saxena Committee was to critically examine and review the existing methodology for estimating poverty in India. It aimed to develop a more comprehensive approach that goes beyond income-based criteria and considers multiple dimensions of deprivation.
Q4: What were the key recommendations of the Saxena Committee?
A4: The Saxena Committee recommended a paradigm shift in poverty estimation by proposing a multidimensional poverty index. It suggested integrating indicators such as health, education, living conditions, and social exclusion to provide a more holistic understanding of poverty.
Q5: How did the Saxena Committee’s report impact policy formulation?
A5: The committee’s report had significant implications for policy formulation in poverty alleviation programs. It influenced the development of initiatives like the National Rural Livelihoods Mission and the National Urban Livelihoods Mission, which adopted a multidimensional approach to address various aspects of poverty.
Q6: Did the Saxena Committee emphasize community participation?
A6: Yes, the Saxena Committee highlighted the importance of a participatory approach in poverty estimation and policy formulation. It stressed the significance of engaging local communities and stakeholders to ensure their perspectives and experiences are taken into account.
Q7: How did the Saxena Committee contribute to the national discourse on poverty?
A7: The Saxena Committee’s report sparked important discussions and debates on poverty in India. It challenged the traditional understanding of poverty and highlighted the need for a comprehensive approach that considers social indicators and dimensions of deprivation.