Examining the Nexus Between Inclusive Growth and Poverty Reduction in India: Policies, Challenges, and Future Directions

Abstract

Inclusive growth has become a central goal in India’s development planning over the past two decades. The idea goes beyond economic expansion and focuses on ensuring that the benefits of growth are distributed fairly among all social groups, especially the poor, marginalized, and vulnerable populations. Poverty in India has declined over the years, but large disparities still exist between rural and urban regions, social groups, gender, and states. The objective of this research paper is to study the relationship between inclusive growth initiatives and poverty alleviation in India. The paper analyses policies, programmes, trends, challenges, and the way forward. The findings show that India has made progress through schemes such as MGNREGA, National Rural Livelihood Mission, Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana, and digital inclusion efforts, but structural issues like unemployment, regional imbalance, low skills, and inequality continue to restrict inclusive development. The paper concludes that poverty alleviation requires a multi-dimensional approach, combining economic growth with human development, empowerment, social security, digital access, and strong governance.