CBSE Class 9 Answered

1.  Low level of economic development under the British colonial rule:

The British formulated policies which did not encourage the Indian economy. This was a historical causes. In order to give protection to the British industries, the traditional and village handicraft industries was systematically ruined by the British government. This resulted in widespread unemployment and low growth rate of income. The failure of promoting economic growth, providing employment and population control perpetuated the cycle of poverty in India

2.  Income inequalities:

One of the major reason for this is the unequal distribution of land and other resources. Despite various policies, the problem could not be tackled in a meaningful manner. Various reform policies such as land reforms, which aimed at redistribution of assets in rural areas, have not been implemented properly and effectively by most of the state governments. This lack of land resources has been one of the major causes of poverty.

3.  Lack of job opportunities:

The lack of job opportunities both in the public and private sector forced people to pick up odd jobs such as vendors, domestic servants, and rickshaw pullers. Due to irregular and low income they could not afford housing and they started to live in slums in villages and the problem of rural poverty emerged which further spread to the urban sector.