Sharp Drop in Poverty Rate in India: Latest Figures Highlight Progress

Good news from India: fewer people are living in poverty! Recent reports from both the Indian government and international organizations say the poverty rate has gone down quite a bit. This seems to be because the economy is doing well, the government is running helpful programs, and more people can get education and healthcare.

Poverty Rate Drops Thanks to Government Efforts

Over the last ten years, India has steadily decreased the number of people living in poverty. A recent report, the National Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) 2024, which was put together by NITI Aayog, says the percentage of poor people went from almost 25% in 2015-16 to a little over 11% in 2022-23. A bunch of government programs seem to have helped a lot. Things like the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (housing for all), Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (clean India campaign), and the Ayushman Bharat health insurance plan are being made. 

These programs have helped folks live better lives, have better sanitation, and get the healthcare they need without spending too much. Plus, the system of sending money directly to people ('direct benefit transfer') has cut down on corruption and made sure subsidies get to the right people.

Some Areas Still Lagging Behind

Even though things are getting better country-wide, some states are still struggling more than others.States such as Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh still show higher rates of poverty than states in the south and west. Experts on these regions put money into schools and infrastructure, and create policies just for them so they can catch up.

Rural areas have really turned a corner, with poverty decreasing more. In these areas, the rate went from about 33% in 2015-16 to about 19% in 2022-23. 

Looking ahead 

India’s consistent poverty reduction shows that economic changes and social programs can really make a difference. If India keeps working on growth that helps everyone and invests in the areas that need it most, it can keep reducing poverty and make sure more people have a good life.