Poor health outcomes

Poverty is often linked to poor health outcomes, as individuals and households living in poverty may lack access to basic healthcare services, clean water, and sanitation.

• Example: India has the highest number of stunted children in the world, accounting for nearly a third of the global total. (Global Nutrition Report 2020)

Limited access to education

Poverty can limit access to education, particularly for girls and women, which can perpetuate the cycle of poverty across generations.

• Children from poor families often drop out of school to work and earn money.

High infant mortality rates

Poverty can contribute to high infant mortality rates, as infants born into poverty may not have access to adequate nutrition and healthcare.

• Example: IMR is 35.2 as per National Family Health Survey 5(2019-21)

Social exclusion

Poverty can lead to social exclusion, as individuals and households may be unable to participate fully in social and economic activities.

Increased crime rates

Poverty can lead to increased crime rates, as individuals may resort to criminal activity as a means of survival.

Inadequate housing and sanitation

Lack of access to basic amenities like clean water, sanitation facilities, and adequate housing among the poor can lead to a range of health problems, including diarrhea and other water-borne diseases.

Gender inequality

Poverty in India disproportionately affects women and girls. Girls are often denied access to education and are more likely to be married off at a young age. Women are also more likely to work in low-paid and insecure jobs.

Environmental degradation

Poverty often leads to unsustainable practices, such as overuse of natural resources and deforestation, which can have a detrimental effect on the environment. 

Internal migration

Poverty also leads to people migrating from rural areas to urban centers in search of better economic opportunities. This leads to a rise in the informal sector and the growth of slums in urban areas.