Arrange the following communities in order of their poverty percentage in rural India, from highest to lowest during 2011-12.

1. Scheduled Tribes

2. Scheduled Castes

3. Muslims

4. Sikhs

 

The correct answer is - 1-2-3-4

Key Points

• Poverty Percentage in Rural India (2011-12)
  • As per the NITI Aayog Report (2014), the poverty percentage for different communities was:
    • Scheduled Tribes (ST) - 45.3% (highest)
    • Scheduled Castes (SC) - 31.5%
    • Muslims - 26.9%
    • Sikhs - 6.2% (lowest)
  • The order from highest to lowest poverty percentage is: Scheduled Tribes (1) → Scheduled Castes (2) → Muslims (3) → Sikhs (4)

Additional Information

• Causes of High Poverty Among STs and SCs
  • Historical Disadvantage: Denied access to land, education, and skilled employment.
  • Geographical Isolation: Many STs live in remote areas with poor infrastructure.
  • Social Discrimination: Limited access to jobs, healthcare, and education.
• Sikhs Have the Lowest Poverty Rate
  • Higher engagement in agriculture and business.
  • Better social support systems and community welfare initiatives.
• Government Initiatives to Reduce Poverty
  • MGNREGA: Guarantees 100 days of rural employment.
  • Reservation Policies: Improve education and job access for STs and SCs.