Poverty And Disability - On the Lines of Capability Approach: A Study Based on Kolkata City

Dr. Sirsha Biswas, Dr. (CA) Sanjib Kumar Basu

Abstract: The issue of poverty among individuals with disabilities has garnered increasing attention within the discourse of development economics and social justice. This synopsis aims to explore this complex relationship through the lens of the Capability Approach. The Capability Approach posits that individuals should be evaluated not merely based on their material possessions or income, but rather on their opportunities and capabilities to lead a life they have reason to value. In the context of poverty and disability, this approach becomes particularly relevant as it shifts the focus from viewing disabled individuals solely as passive recipients of aid to recognizing their agency and potential for leading fulfilling lives. The study delves into the various dimensions of the intersection between poverty and disability with reference to Kolkata, a city known for its diverse socio-economic landscape and significant population of individuals with disabilities. Anchored within the framework of the Capability Approach, the study investigates the lived experiences of disabled individuals facing poverty in Kolkata highlighting how limited access to education, healthcare, employment, and social services exacerbates the challenges faced by disabled individuals living in poverty. Drawing upon empirical research, the study underscores the importance of fostering inclusive policies and social structures that empower individuals with disabilities to overcome their socioeconomic disadvantages. The paper is an attempt to empirically study the association between poverty and disability on the lines of gender parity in Kolkata city, on the basis of multi-dimensional poverty index (MPI) and make policy recommendations to reduce the constraints that the environment adds to a person?s impairment in order to expand their capability set and to allow them to live a life which they value. In conclusion, the study emphasizes the urgency of adopting a multidimensional approach that integrates the principles of the Capability Approach to address the multifaceted challenges faced by individuals with disabilities living in poverty. By promoting their capabilities and enhancing their opportunities for meaningful participation and social inclusion, it seeks to pave the way for a more equitable and just society that values the inherent dignity and potential of every individual, regardless of their abilities or socioeconomic status.

Keywords: disability and poverty, capability approach, multidimensional poverty, social inclusion, Kolkata