Figures of Hope
(Source: The Indian Express, Editorial Page)
Also Read: The Indian Express Editorial Analysis: 09 June 2025
Also Read: The Hindu Editorial Analysis: 09 June 2025
| Topic: GS2 (Welfare Schemes, Governance), GS3 (Inclusive Growth, Poverty, Data Governance) |
| Context |
|
Background of Data Deficit and Poverty Measurement
-
For years, poverty estimation in India faced challenges due to the absence of updated consumption expenditure data.
-
The last official survey was in 2011–12; subsequent surveys were either delayed or withdrawn due to “data quality” concerns.
-
Alternative estimates from the CMIE and the World Bank attempted to fill the gap, but lacked government endorsement.
-
With the release of the 2022–24 data, India can now rely on official metrics for assessing poverty and inequality.
Findings from the New Consumption Surveys
-
According to the latest estimates by the World Bank, extreme poverty fell from 27.1% (2011–12) to 5.3% (2022–23).
-
The poverty line was adjusted from $2.15/day to $3/day to reflect updated purchasing power parity.
-
The number of extreme poor in India dropped from 344.7 million to 75.2 million.
-
Poverty in the lower-middle income group fell from 52.7% (2011–12) to 23.9% (2022–23), as per RBI calculations.
-
Multidimensional poverty also saw a steep fall from 55.3% (2005–06) to 14.95% (2019–21) based on NITI Aayog data.
Improvements in Inequality Metrics
-
India’s inequality as measured by the Gini coefficient and Thiel index showed moderation, suggesting relatively inclusive growth.
-
The consumption-based surveys also provide a better sense of real consumption patterns among different social groups and regions.
Implications for Welfare and Policy
-
The data strengthens the foundation for evidence-based policymaking.
-
Better targeting of social welfare schemes like PM Garib Kalyan Yojana, NFSA, PM-KISAN, and Ayushman Bharat becomes possible.
-
It aids states and districts in tailoring their development programmes to reflect localised deprivation.
-
It will also assist in monitoring the effectiveness of schemes under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) framework.
Summary of Key Poverty Trends Based on Latest Data:
| Metric | 2011–12 | 2022–23 |
|---|---|---|
| Extreme Poverty (%) | 27.1% | 5.3% |
| Number of Extreme Poor (mill) | 344.7 million | 75.2 million |
| Lower-Middle Income Poverty (%) | 52.7% | 23.9% |
| Multidimensional Poverty (%) | 55.3% (2005–06) | 14.95% (2019–21) |
| Poverty Line Used (PPP $/day) | $2.15 | $3.00 |
Way Forward:
-
Regular household consumption surveys must be institutionalized, at least once every five years.
-
Poverty lines should be dynamic and adjusted for inflation and cost-of-living changes.
-
Disaggregated poverty data (by caste, gender, geography) must be integrated with social audits.
-
Independent verification and public access to data will strengthen trust in policymaking.
| Practice Question:
“India’s foreign policy must transition from tactical responses to long-term strategic calibration.” Discuss in the context of recent military operations and shifting global alignments. (GS Paper 3 | 250 words | 15 marks) |
