Question

Suppose we wanted zero poverty. This would cost a lot to some people and they would need to sacrifice.
When we take wealth or income away from higher-income people and give it to lower-income people,
some people believe that it destroys incentives. How would you answer the following questions?
a. What are the effects of this kind of redistribution?
b. Are you pro or against this redistribution. Justify your arguments in this redistribution debate.

Answer 1

Answer: Ending Poverty by 2030 is the Sustainable Development Goal number 1, but as mentioned in the question itself , it takes alot to attain the  zero poverty as This would cost a lot to some people and they would need to sacrifice.
When we take wealth or income away from higher-income people and give it to lower-income people.

This argument seems real when we see it from surface but when you analyse the problems of poverty and factors associated with it and its impact on the present as well as future of the society.

Hence let us analyse the effects of this kind or redistribution:

A) Achieving goal of Zero poverty or to say elimination of poverty needs strong political will, good governance,system of checks and balance among departments to ensure the corruption free policies, effective ground level implemention of such policies with proper accountability.

-Then this will ensure the more equitable, just and effective Human development in the society it self.

- This will ensure the upliftment of exploited sections of society like poors, women and they will get the equality of opportunity in every aspects of life.

-This will uplift the overall living standards of individuals hence lead to increase in the level of education, skilled workforce,better healthcare facilities among all.

-This will decrease the inequalities among poor and rich sections hence ensure the SOCIAL HARMONY and effective social capital for the country's security and integrity.

B). Though some argues about,such policies will lead to decrease in wealth with higher income people and hence incentives with them to start new businesses. So ultimately backfire,but on seeing these measures comprehensively all this measure will ultimately be useful for rich people and businesses as well in form of better skilled workforce, healthy workforce more productive for them.

Better social harmony in society will ensure the good law and order situation hence ensure safety and security of all whether rich or poor.

We can take the example of Scandinavian Countries and their performance in various Reports be it HUMAN DEVELOPMENT REPORT, WORLD INCLUSIVENESS INDEX,HUMAN CAPITAL INDEXand many more they are the top performers and are on the forefront for Achieving SDG 2030 GOALS.They invest all of taxpayers money mostly in social and educational sectors which reduces poverty in the society.

Hence such policies are favourable for the sustainable and long term development of present as well as future generations.

Hope it helps!

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