Indian Poverty
#IndianPoverty
Poverty in India is a multidimensional issue, influenced by historical, economic, social, and political factors.
Despite significant economic growth over the past few decades, poverty remains a major challenge in many regions and communities.
Poverty in India – Key Aspects
1. Poverty Statistics (Latest Available)
• As per NITI Aayog’s 2024 Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI):
• 135 million Indians escaped poverty between 2015–2021.
• National multidimensional poverty rate fell from 24.85% in 2015–16 to 14.96% in 2019–21.
• World Bank (2022 estimate): Around 10% of Indians live on less than $2.15/day (PPP) — considered extreme poverty.
• Rural poverty is higher than urban poverty, especially in states like Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh.
2. Types of Poverty
Type Description
Absolute Poverty Inability to meet basic needs like food, shelter, clothing.
Relative Poverty Economic inequality compared to others in society.
Multidimensional Poverty Based on health, education, and living standards (used by UNDP and NITI Aayog).
3. Causes of Poverty in India
• Historical Injustice (colonial rule, land alienation, caste discrimination)
• Unemployment and underemployment
• Population pressure
• Low productivity in agriculture
• Inequitable distribution of wealth
• Poor access to quality education and healthcare
• Social exclusion (especially Dalits, Adivasis, women)
4. Government Programs to Reduce Poverty
Program Focus
MGNREGA 100 days of rural employment guarantee
Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) Affordable housing
PDS (Public Distribution System) Subsidized food grains
National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) Basic healthcare
PM-KISAN Income support for small farmers
Skill India / PMKVY Vocational training for youth
5. Challenges Ahead
• Regional disparities (some states still have >25% in poverty)
Hidden urban poverty (slums, informal work)
• Climate change impacting agriculture-dependent poor
• Ensuring fair access to digital and educational infrastructure
6. Measuring Poverty
India uses both income-based and multidimensional indicators:
• Tendulkar Committee (2009): ₹33/day (urban), ₹27/day (rural) — outdated now.
• Rangarajan Committee (2014): Slightly higher thresholds.
• Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) by NITI Aayog and UNDP includes:
• Health (nutrition, child mortality)
• Education (years of schooling, school attendance)
• Standard of living (cooking fuel, electricity, sanitation, housing, assets)
Global Comparison
• India has made significant gains, and its poverty reduction is considered one of the fastest globally in recent years.
• Yet, due to its large population, India still has one of the largest absolute numbers of poor people in the world.
If you want details by state, on urban vs. rural poverty, or how specific policies impacted poverty, I can provide deeper insights. Would you like to explore that?
