The government ofIndia has taken a number of steps to combat poverty. Some of them are:

1. National RuralEmployment Guarantee or NREGA

According to thisemployment is assured for 100 days in a year for every rural household in 200districts.

2. National Foodfor Work Programme or NFWP

This scheme isopen for the rural people who are willing to do manual unskilled work. They aregiven food grains in lieu of wages. This scheme has been implemented in 150most backward states.

3. SwarnajayantiGram Swarozgar Yojana or SGSY

It grants bankcredit and government subsidy to poor families who are organized into self helpgroups. This gives them a chance to rise above the poverty line.

4. Pradhan MantriGramodaya Yojana or PMGY

The states aregiven assistance for basic services like primary health, rural shelter, primaryeducation, rural electrification and rural drinking water.

5. Antyodaya AnnaYojana or AAY

According to thisscheme subsidized food is provided to millions of the poorest families.