Introduction:

It may be defined as the inability to secure the minimum consumption requirement for life health and efficiency. Poverty in India has been defined as the situation in which an individual fails to earn income sufficient to buy minimum means of subsistence. Poverty refers to a condition in which individuals or groups lack the financial resources and essentials for a minimum standard of living. People living in poverty typically experience deprivation in areas such as food, shelter, healthcare, education, and access to clean water, among other necessities. It can also limit their ability to participate fully in society and pursue opportunities for improvement. The causes of poverty are.

Causes of poverty:

The following are considered the factors responsible for poverty.

1. Under development: It is because of under development of Indian economy that the level of her national income and per capita income are low. under development is due to lack of industrialization because there are no investment as there are no savings due to low income of the people. Hence many people are forced to depend on agriculture where they get meager income which is not sufficient to meet desire necessaries.
2. Rapid growth of population: Overpopulation is another important cause of the prevailing poverty in the country when the national income is divided among too many people; the per capita income is born to be low. Just to keep the per capita income at the old level low percentage of national income must be invested. This shows how difficult it is the level of National income in a country of rapidly growing population. Rapid population growth, particularly in developing regions, can strain resources and limit access to jobs, housing, and healthcare, contributing to poverty.
3. Low agricultural productivity: Carrying on cultivation by primitive techniques, small sizes of holdings, insufficient irrigation facilities, and failure of the use of modern agriculture inputs keep agriculture productivity. In India at a very low level the result is low income to the tillers
4. Oppressively land system: Tenancy system prevails over an extensive area of our agriculture. The tenants are badly exploited by the landlords and they are left with very little income after paying the rents to the landlords.
5. Unemployment and under employment: The existence of huge unemployment and under employment leads to dependency. The income earner of the family has the share his income with the unemployed for their survival. Thus unemployment is an important cause of poverty in the country. High unemployment rates or low-wage jobs leave individuals and families without sufficient income to meet their basic needs, perpetuating poverty.
6. Economic Inequality: Inequality in the distribution of national income has also been a major cause of mass poverty in India when a large chunk of national income is pocketed by the top 5% to 10%  of the population the majority of the population are left with left income which are insufficient to meet the needs of minimum consumption. Unequal distribution of resources, wealth, and opportunities within and between countries can lead to disparities where some people thrive while others fall into poverty.
7. Lack of Education: Lack of education often restricts individuals’ ability to gain the skills and knowledge required to secure better-paying jobs, contributing to a cycle of poverty.
8. Political Instability and Corruption: Countries with weak or corrupt governments may fail to provide essential services, implement fair policies, or create an environment conducive to economic growth. This often results in widespread poverty.
9. Social Inequality: Discrimination based on gender, race, ethnicity, or religion can limit access to education, jobs, healthcare, and political participation, making certain groups more vulnerable to poverty.
10. Health Issues: Poor health and lack of access to affordable healthcare can prevent individuals from working and lead to high medical expenses, pushing people deeper into poverty.
11. Debt: Many low-income countries and individuals are trapped in debt cycles, paying back loans with high-interest rates, which leaves them with little to invest in development and improvement.
12. Lack of Infrastructure: Inadequate infrastructure, such as poor transportation, lack of electricity, and insufficient healthcare facilities, hinders economic growth and development, especially in rural and underserved areas.

also read: explain the measures to control the population in India.