By Vaishnavi, SDG Reporter, Grade 9
"No Poverty" is the first and one of the most important Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 1). It focuses on eradicating poverty in all its forms, ensuring that everyone can live a life of dignity and security. As a student reporter, I had the chance to explore the NITI Aayog report, which highlights the Government of India’s initiatives to achieve this goal. Here’s a detailed look at the key schemes and my observations about their impact on people’s lives.
1. Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS)
This scheme provides at least 100 days of guaranteed wage employment every year to rural households. It also focuses on creating durable assets like water conservation systems, roads, and irrigation facilities. MGNREGS helps rural families earn income while improving their villages’ infrastructure.
2. Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana (DAY)
National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM): This program helps women in rural areas form Self-Help Groups (SHGs), learn skills, and access loans to start small businesses.
National Urban Livelihood Mission (NULM): This initiative helps urban poor people gain access to better job opportunities and provides skill training to improve their livelihoods.
3. Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY)
This is one of the largest financial inclusion programs in the world. It provides poor families with easy access to bank accounts, enabling them to receive government benefits directly. This reduces corruption and ensures that help reaches those who need it.
4. Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY)
This life insurance scheme is designed for low-income families, providing financial support to the families of the insured in case of death. The premiums are affordable, making it accessible to many people.
5. Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY)
PMAY aims to provide affordable housing to all by 2024. It offers financial assistance to economically weaker sections for building or buying houses, ensuring every family has a safe and secure home.
6. DDU – Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY)
This scheme focuses on skill development for rural youth. It provides training in different industries, helping young people secure good jobs and earn a sustainable income.
7. National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP)
NSAP provides pensions to elderly citizens, widows, and disabled people from low-income groups. It ensures that the most vulnerable sections of society have some financial security.
8. Atal Pension Yojana (APY)
This scheme provides a fixed pension to workers in the unorganized sector, such as farmers and street vendors. It encourages people to save for their retirement and ensures financial stability in old age.
My Observations-
While exploring these programs, I realized how much effort the government is putting into eradicating poverty. During a school visit to a nearby village, I met a group of women who had started their own tailoring business through the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM). They told me how their earnings have improved their families’ lives and helped them send their children to school.
However, I also noticed some challenges. Many people are not aware of these programs or don’t know how to apply for them. In some regions, poverty is still very high due to limited resources and slow implementation. It’s clear that while these schemes are making a difference, more needs to be done to ensure every family benefits from them.
India’s fight against poverty is inspiring and shows the government’s dedication to helping those in need. Schemes like MGNREGS, PMJDY, and PMAY have already changed the lives of millions. As a student and SDG reporter, I feel it’s important to spread awareness about these initiatives so more people can benefit from them.
Ending poverty is not just the government’s job—it’s something we all need to work on together. By continuing these efforts and ensuring that no one is left behind, I believe India can achieve SDG 1 and create a better future for everyone.
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