In the post-reforms period Odisha's economy is growing fast but poverty among masses has not removed

'In the post-reforms period, Odisha's economy is growing fast but poverty among the masses has not reduced perceptibly.' Elucidate.

Odisha is a state located in eastern India. The state has undergone economic reforms in recent years, which have resulted in a period of economic growth. However, despite this growth, poverty among the masses in Odisha has not reduced perceptibly.

There are several reasons why poverty reduction has not kept pace with economic growth in Odisha:

Inequality: The benefits of economic growth have not been evenly distributed, with a significant portion of the population still living in poverty. This is due in part to the fact that economic growth has been concentrated in certain sectors, such as industry and services, while the agricultural sector, which employs a large proportion of the state's population, has not experienced as much growth.

Lack of access to education and healthcare: Education and healthcare are important drivers of poverty reduction, but access to these services is still limited for many people in Odisha. This is particularly true for marginalized groups, such as women, children, and members of lower castes.

Limited job opportunities: The availability of good-paying jobs is crucial for reducing poverty, but job opportunities in Odisha are still limited, particularly in rural areas. This is due in part to the lack of industrialization and the lack of infrastructure development in these areas.

Limited access to credit: Access to credit is important for small businesses and entrepreneurs, as it allows them to invest in their businesses and create jobs. However, access to credit is still limited in Odisha, particularly for small farmers and women.

Overall, while economic growth has helped to improve the lives of some people in Odisha, much more needs to be done to address the root causes of poverty and ensure that the benefits of economic growth are more widely shared. This includes investing in education and healthcare, creating more job opportunities, and improving access to credit for small businesses and entrepreneurs.