Inequality in the ownership pattern of resources is one of the major causes of poverty. Discuss in the context of ‘paradox of poverty’. (Answer in 250 words)

The paradox of poverty is that deprivation can persist amid aggregate growth when productive assets and capabilities are concentrated.

Mechanism

• Unequal land, housing, capital and technology ownership determines income, collateral and resilience.
• Asset-poor households depend on insecure work and cannot invest in education, health or productivity.
• Caste, gender and tribal exclusion transmit deprivation across generations.

Response

• Secure land and forest rights, quality public services, affordable credit and social protection.
• Promote women’s asset ownership, skills, labour-intensive green growth and progressive taxation.
• Growth must expand capabilities and productive ownership, not merely average GDP.

Keywords: economy, society, poverty, inequality