The article examines the social dimensions of poverty in
the context of gender, dalit, tribal and Muslim minorities
in the country. Reviewing the process of globalisation in
the country, it notes that the largest section of workers
continue to work in the unorganised sector. The shifting
of global capital to the South and particularly to India
has increased opportunities for women to work in the garment
export industry. Characterised by low pay and poor working
conditions, the industry exploits women. The fear of job
loss has led to new forms of resistance by women workers
not only at the workplace but within the community linking
with social movements for protection and advancement.
Small and marginal farmers including women agricultural
workers are impacted by global markets leading to destruction
of rural livelihoods. Dalit women have demonstrated how
to create household food security by internalising inputs
and creating alternative markets. Policy planners need to
learn from these experiences and upscale at a national level.
Regenerating commons and promoting non-chemical agriculture
are other means to restore ecological balance and economic
health of the agriculture sector.
Tribal, dalit and Muslim minority socio-economic rights
are eroded further due to the process of globalisation.
To move towards more inclusive growth, public spending on
education and health has to increase. Responding to people's
movements the state needs to implement pro-people policies
and programmes. Mobilising women into SHGs is seen as a
panacea to ensure women's development. Currently, it has
created a debt burden on women. An alternative agenda for
empowerment is outlined for action.
|
