‘Poverty Alleviation Programmes in India remain mere show pieces until and unless they are backed by political will’. Discuss with reference to the performance of the major poverty alleviation programmes in India. (250 words)

Poverty alleviation programs in India aim to provide opportunities, resources, and support to the poor and marginalized sections of society. However, their success largely depends on the political will and commitment of the government.

Integrated Rural Development Programme (IRDP): Launched in 1978, IRDP aimed to provide self-employment opportunities and assets to the rural poor. However, its impact has been limited due to inadequate funding, poor targeting, and lack of coordination among various agencies.
National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS): Started in 2005, MGNREGS guarantees 100 days of wage employment to rural households. It has helped reduce poverty in rural areas, but issues like corruption, delays in wage payments, and poor quality of assets created have hampered its effectiveness.
National Food for Work Programme: Launched in 2004, this program aimed to generate supplementary wage employment in 150 most backward districts. However, its impact has been limited due to poor implementation and lack of monitoring.
Pradhan Mantri Gramin Awaas Yojana: Started in 1985, this program aims to provide housing to the rural poor. While it has made some progress, issues like corruption, delays in construction, and poor quality of houses have affected its success.
Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana: This program focuses on skill development and self-employment opportunities for the urban poor. However, its impact has been limited due to inadequate funding, poor targeting, and lack of coordination among various agencies.

In conclusion, while these poverty alleviation programs have made some progress in reducing poverty in India, their effectiveness has been hampered by the lack of political will and commitment. To ensure the success of these programs, it is essential for the government to address issues like corruption, poor implementation, and inadequate funding, and focus on creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for the poor.