Question

Describe poverty trends in India since 1973?

Answer 1

The percentage of poor people has declined from 54.9% in 1973 to 26.1% in 2001. This shows a significant decline. However, the absolute number of poor has remained more or less static at 320 million. Recently it has declined to 260 million.

Answer 2

There was a substantial decline in poverty ratios in India from about 55% in 1973 to 36% in 1993.

(a) The proportion of people below poverty line further came down to about 26 % in 2000.

(b) If the trend continues, people below poverty, line may come down to less than 20 % in the next few years.

(c) Although the percentage of the people living under poverty declined in the earlier two decades (1973-1993) the number of poor remained stable around 320 million for a fairly long period.

(d) The latest estimates indicate a significant reduction in the number of poor to about 260 million.