INDIA’S INTERNATIONAL MOVEMENT TO UNITE NATIONs

STUDY GUIDE

COMMITTEE: MADHYA PRADESH LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY

AGENDA: DISCUSSING WAYS TO REDUCE POVERTY IN THE
STATE WITH EMPHASIS ON RURAL REGIONS
 MANDATE

The Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly is an elected body of representatives that are selected
through assembly elections. Currently, there are 230 members present in the legislative assembly
that are directly elected from single-member constituencies. The body has a tenure of 5 years like
other legislative assemblies unless the Governor of the state dissolves it on the recommendation of
the Chief Minister.
Shri Girish Gautam is the speaker. The Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) is the ruling party in the
Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly with a total of 163 seats in the house in the Assembly
elections. Shri Mangubhai C. Patel is Madhya Pradesh’s Governor, and Dr. Mohan Yaav is the
Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh and the Legislative Assembly leader.

INTRODUCTION

Poverty is a standing problem that can be seen vividly in the rural areas of Madhya Pradesh, a
state located in the heart of India. With its landscapes, including plains and hilly terrains Madhya
Pradesh's rural regions are home to a large population facing economic struggles. Madhya
Pradesh, known for its rich cultural heritage and biodiversity, is home to a significant rural
population facing economic hardships.

The Rural Landscape of Madhya Pradesh:

The rural regions of Madhya Pradesh are characterised by lands, where a significant number of
people depend on traditional farming methods. The state's economy is closely connected to
activities making communities vulnerable to changes in weather and crop yields. Most rural
residents have limited access to farming technologies, which leads to a reliance on agricultural
results.

Factors Contributing to Poverty:

Agricultural Uncertainties: Unforeseeable changes in weather patterns and insufficient irrigation
infrastructure are factors that contribute to the failure of crops and decreased yields, which in turn
exposes farmers to instability. This unpredictability in agriculture plays a role in causing poverty
in areas of Madhya Pradesh.

Limited Employment Opportunities: People are compelled to rely on agriculture due to the
unavailability of diverse employment opportunities. This heavy dependence on a sector increases
vulnerability especially when confronted with challenges, like market fluctuations and evolving
consumer demands.

Educational and Healthcare Disparities: Insufficient infrastructure and a lack of quality institutions
pose obstacles to the growth of human resources. When people have limited access to education it
creates a cycle of illiteracy that restricts community development opportunities. Similarly,
disparities in healthcare and inadequate medical facilities lead to health outcomes, which in turn
reduce the productivity of communities.

To effectively combat poverty in Madhya Pradesh it is crucial to take an approach that addresses
the underlying factors contributing to these issues. These factors include uncertainties in
agriculture, inadequate access to education and healthcare and the lack of alternative livelihood
options. Implementing development initiatives is essential in order to bring about change and
uplift rural communities in Madhya Pradesh. This entails improving infrastructure, expanding
opportunities and modernising practices. By doing so we can break the cycle of poverty. Create a
brighter and more prosperous future, for those living in rural areas of Madhya Pradesh.

HISTORY

Situated in the heart of India, Madhya Pradesh has a history with legacies of colonial rule and the
Zamindari system. The land policies implemented during the rule, along with the zamindari
structure have left a lasting impact on the economic fabric of the state. Analysing statistics reveals
that these historical factors have contributed to economic disparities, which continue to pose
challenges in today's agrarian society. The period before independence played a role in shaping
structures and exacerbating economic imbalances thus creating a backdrop of rural poverty.
Through documents and academic research, we gain insights into the dynamics between these
factors providing us with a comprehensive understanding of Madhya Pradesh's journey through
time.

Agrarian Economy
The agricultural sector, which was the source of income for people in Madhya Pradesh, faced
numerous difficulties. Extensive surveys and economic analyses revealed the complexities of
farming methods, reliance on monsoons and insufficient irrigation infrastructure. Recent data
highlights the struggles faced by marginal farmers, who make up a portion of the rural population
in accessing credit, modern farming resources and fair market opportunities. These challenges
have been major contributors to this long-drawn struggle of the rural population that still
continues to date.
Land Distribution
The historical background of land distribution in Madhya Pradesh reveals a pattern of inequality,
where a small group of individuals possess a disproportionate amount of land. By studying
government records and analysing land ownership trends we can gain insights into the
complexities surrounding this issue. Reports from commissions on land reform and
socioeconomic studies provide evidence demonstrating the widening gap between land ownership
and poverty levels. The persisting problems of landlessness and tenancy highlight the vulnerability
faced by a population in terms of economic hardship. By examining the data at a level it becomes
possible for stakeholders to develop comprehensive land reforms that address the underlying
causes of rural poverty.

Social Factors
The rural poverty in Madhya Pradesh has been deeply affected by inequalities based on caste and
social hierarchies. By studying records, studies and governmental reports we can uncover the
various forms of discrimination experienced by Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. Through
an analysis of education and employment statistics, we find evidence of how historical injustices
have had a lasting impact on these marginalised communities. Policymakers and activists must
understand these ingrained inequalities. By using data-driven insights, as the foundation targeted
policies and interventions can be formulated to promote an inclusive development path.

Governance and Development Policies

The effectiveness of governance and the implementation of development policies play roles in
fighting poverty. Non-governmental organisations, academic institutions and independent auditors
conduct evaluations that provide data highlighting persistent issues such, as corruption,
bureaucratic inefficiencies and a lack of accountability. By examining these challenges we can
identify areas for improvement in governance structures. Recommendations derived from these
analyses can be integrated into policymaking to strengthen the framework. It is essential to
prioritise service delivery based on these recommendations to effectively address the aspects of
rural poverty.

Infrastructure and Services

Rural communities in Madhya Pradesh face a multitude of challenges that go beyond issues. They
also struggle with access to infrastructure and services. When we closely examine the health and
education data from the government along with our on-the-ground assessments it becomes clear
that there are deficiencies in healthcare, education and transportation infrastructure. These
findings give us an understanding of the obstacles that hinder development, as a whole.
Government must invest in infrastructure as comprehensive studies and infrastructure assessments
have shown. Based on these assessments we can present project proposals that provide a path
forward for policymakers and development agencies.

Contemporary Challenges:
Recent times have brought about challenges for areas in Madhya Pradesh. The economy's ups and
downs, the effects of climate change on agriculture and the disruptions caused by the COVID-19
pandemic have added a layer of complexity. Various international organisations, local agencies
and research institutions have conducted analyses to shed light on the impacts of these challenges.
Empirical evidence highlights how vulnerable rural communities are to shocks providing insights
for developing adaptive strategies and resilient approaches to development. By examining the
challenges policymakers gain the knowledge they need to navigate the intricate landscape of
evolving rural poverty dynamics.

CURRENT SCENARIO

Poverty remains a huge problem in Madhya Pradesh and in its rural areas. Despite progress in
recent years the state still faces significant challenges, with poverty, particularly among its rural
residents. This harsh reality emphasises the importance of gaining an insight into the factors that
contribute to poverty and taking prompt action to find effective solutions.

Prevalence of Rural Poverty:

Poverty continues to pose an issue in Madhya Pradesh in its rural regions. Despite some progress
made in years the state still grapples with challenges particularly concerning poverty, among its
rural population. This stark reality underscores the need to understand the factors contributing to
poverty and take action to discover solutions.

Impact Of Rural Poverty:

Education and Skill Development: Limited economic stability hinders the availability of resources
for education, which in turn impedes the development of skills and perpetuates a cycle of poverty
across generations. Furthermore, the absence of a workforce poses challenges, to diversifying the
economy and embracing agricultural methods.

Health and Well-being: Lack of healthcare services worsens health problems resulting in high
rates of illness and shorter lifespans. Inadequate health also hampers individuals' capacity to
participate in endeavours thus perpetuating the cycle of poverty.

Rural-to-Urban Migration: Economic disparities drive people to often move from areas to cities in
search of improved opportunities for their lives. However, this mass migration can have
consequences on the structure of villages resulting in an ageing population and putting added
pressure on urban resources.

Food insecurity: In Rural households, there is a persistent challenge, in obtaining sufficient food,
which ultimately results in malnutrition and various health concerns.

Addressing Rural Poverty:

Madhya Pradesh necessitates a strategy that tackles the root causes and fosters long-term
economic development and social integration. This multifaceted approach should cover the
following aspects:

Promoting Sustainable Agriculture: Boosting productivity by implementing methods, like

integrated pest management and water conservation techniques. Enhancing irrigation
infrastructure to guarantee a dependable water source for farming and also offer farmers the means
to access technology and information empowering them to embrace practices and make informed
choices. Investing in Infrastructure

Development: Improving the roads in rural areas to connect them with markets and vital services
while also ensuring that rural households and businesses have access to electricity. Upgrading
irrigation infrastructure to increase productivity and reduce dependence on rainfed farming.

Enhancing Education and Skill Development: Improve education opportunities for children in
rural areas and girls as a means to break the cycle of poverty by offering training and skill
development programs that will equip people in rural communities with the necessary skills for
employment. Promoting adult literacy programs that will enhance the skills and knowledge of the
workforce.

Effective Implementation of Poverty Alleviation Schemes: Improving the execution of poverty

reduction initiatives to ensure that they reach those who are most in need.Strengthening the
monitoring and evaluation systems to assess how well poverty reduction programs are
working.Advocating for transparency and accountability, in distributing resources and
implementing initiatives.
 PROPOSED SOLUTIONS

Capacity building among stakeholders through training, skill development online problem solving
and knowledge sharing through village knowledge centres linked to Kisan Call Centres and PURA
nodal centres.Strategies for capacity building:

● Planning and execution of Capacity Building Action Plan: There should be a well-defined
process for developing action plans for capacity building. Training Need Assessment for
Project Stakeholders should be carried out in coordination with SLNA. The CB inputs
should be consistent with the project cycle and sporadic in the timeline. Adequate
professional inputs for – needs assessment, planning, sourcing the resource
persons/organisation, delivery of capacity building inputs and follow-up should be
ensured.

● Relevance of Content: There should be uniform content and methodology for

capacity-building events. Developing effective and need-based modules in consultation
with the State Level Nodal Agency (SLNA).

● A pool of resource Persons/Organisations: A pool of resource persons and resource

organisations should be developed along with the Institutional linkages and arrangements
for Capacity Building. Support from the line department should also be ensured.

● Monitoring for quality training: A mechanism for continuous Assessment and monitoring
of Capacity Building programs should be developed to identify gaps and propose
corrective actions.

Implementation of the Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP) to restore the

ecological balance by harnessing, conserving and developing degraded natural resources such as
soil, vegetative cover and water. The outcomes are prevention of soil run-off, regeneration of
natural vegetation, rainwater harvesting and recharging of ground water table.

The national Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) as a measure of multiple dimensions of

poverty complements monetary poverty statistics and enables a close monitoring of individual
indicators and dimensions which overlap with several SDGs. It allows for disaggregation at the
levels of States and districts and enables integrated, cross-sectoral policy actions by capturing
simultaneous deprivations. Over time, multiple policies and programmes have defined India’s
deliberate and determined progress on poverty reduction. The programs are as follows:
● Awas Yojana (PMAY)
● Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM)
● Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM)
● Pradhan Mantri Sahaj
● Bijli Har Ghar Yojana (Saubhagya),
● Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY)
● Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY)
● POSHAN Abhiyaan
● Samagra Shiksha

BLOC POSITIONS

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP):

The BJP firmly believes that fostering growth is the key to alleviating poverty. To realise this
vision the party has introduced initiatives aimed at bolstering progress. One such example is the
Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) which extends support to households for constructing or
upgrading their homes. Additionally, the Skill India Mission endeavours to equip youth with skills
enabling them to secure gainful employment opportunities. Recognizing the significance of
development, in poverty reduction the party has made investments in constructing roads,
establishing electricity networks and implementing irrigation systems in rural areas.

Indian National Congress (INC):

The Indian National Congress (INC) considers social welfare programs to be crucial in the fight
against poverty. The party has introduced a range of social welfare initiatives, including the
Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) which guarantees
employment opportunities for households and the National Food Security Act (NFSA) which
ensures affordable food grains for rural households. Additionally, the party recognizes the
significance of empowering women as a means to alleviate poverty.
Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP):
The BSP holds the belief that social justice plays a role in alleviating poverty. To promote justice
the party has introduced initiatives, including reserved seats for backward castes in government
jobs and educational institutions. The party also recognizes the significance of land reforms, in
addressing poverty. Has implemented schemes to distribute land to farmers who do not possess
any.

Samajwadi Party (SP):

The Socialist Party (SP) holds the belief that socialism offers a solution to address poverty. To
tackle this issue the party has put into effect measures, including the nationalisation of industries
and ensuring free access to healthcare and education. Moreover, the party recognizes that
decentralisation plays a role in reducing poverty. As part of their efforts, they have introduced
initiatives, like the Panchayati Raj system to distribute power evenly across regions.

SUGGESTED MODERATED CAUCUS TOPICS

1. Exploring measures to improve access to credit for small farmers and entrepreneurs in
rural regions
2. Discussing strategies to address water scarcity issues in rural Madhya Pradesh.
3. Exploring ways to promote agro-processing industries in rural regions.
4. Formulating strategies to enhance skill development and vocational training programs.
5. Examining ways to improve healthcare infrastructure and accessibility in rural regions.
6. Discussing the role of education and literacy in poverty reduction.
7. Exploring policies related to land reforms and equitable distribution of agricultural land to
benefit small and marginal farmers.
8. Addressing gender-specific aspects of poverty reduction in rural areas.
9. Discussing measures to ensure that poverty alleviation programs are socially inclusive,
considering the needs of various marginalised groups in rural Madhya Pradesh.
10. Exploring the role of community-led initiatives in poverty reduction, including
participatory approaches to development and local governance.
 RESEARCH LINKS

(Note: Delegates, some of the links are only meant for light reading and thus are not highlighted,
Only refer to the highlighted sources as valid proof as others may or may not be accepted as a
source of proof in the Council. The decision of the Presiding Officer regarding the acceptable
sources is Final and Binding.)

1. https://mp.gov.in/
2. https://mpvidhansabha.nic.in/index.htm
3. https://mpplanningcommission.gov.in/international-aided-projects/pmpsu/District%20Wise
4. https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2023/07/24/madhya-pradesh-about-136-crore-people-o
5. https://niti.gov.in/sites/default/files/2023-08/India-National-Multidimentional-Poverty-Ind
6. https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/poverty/overview
7. https://www.unicef.org/india/where-we-work/madhya-pradesh
8. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhopal/madhya-pradesh-govt-working-for-welfare
9. https://www.epw.in/journal/2007/05/special-articles/rural-poverty-madhya-pradesh.html
10. https://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/issues/issues26/
11. https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-insight/climate-change/a-holistic-approach-to-rural-de
12. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9724256/
13. https://www.forbesindia.com/blog/travel/make-rural-cool-again-how-rural-tourism-can-be
come-an-opportunity-for-local-communities/
14. https://mpkrishi.mp.gov.in/hindisite_New/pdfs/e-MarketPlace.pdf
15. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/mp-govt-will-provide-rs-1000-to-every-
woman-of-the-state-under-ladli-behna-yojana-cm-chouhan/articleshow/97603139.cms
16. https://mp.gov.in/Egovernace
17. https://dge.gov.in/dge/schemes_programmes
18. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10265551/
19. https://invest.mp.gov.in/mp-industrial-scenario/
20. https://static.mygov.in/indiancc/202improving3/01/mygov-999999999140531835.pdf