Economic Policies
Economic policies play a significant role in shaping poverty levels. The initial years following independence were characterized by a socialist model of economic planning, which prioritized state control over various sectors and led to inefficiencies. While the Green Revolution brought agricultural advancements, it primarily benefited large landowners and did not significantly address rural poverty. The economic liberalization in the 1990s spurred growth but also led to increased inequality. Rapid urbanization and industrialization often failed to provide adequate opportunities for the rural poor, exacerbating the divide between urban and rural areas.