India Poverty Decline: World Bank Lines and Data Gaps
Why in the news
India cut absolute poverty sharply, yet missing fresh official estimates hamper measurement and targeting.
Key facts
| World Bank line | 2011-12 | 2023-24 |
|---|---|---|
| $3 a day (was $2.15) | 27.1% | 5.3% |
| $4.20 a day (was $3.65) | 57.7% | 23.9% |
- Drivers: sustained growth, targeted welfare programmes and reform consensus.
Concerns
- Rural poverty remains higher; price differences may exaggerate it.
- Pandemic showed escapees stay vulnerable to shocks.
- The last mile of poverty removal is hardest.
Way forward
- Avoid triumphalism; use accurate data.
- Revise the poverty line using domestic estimates.
- Check how free food provision fits the numbers.
Exam angle
- Thresholds: $3.00 and $4.20.