question_answer 10)

Describe the poverty trends in India since 1973.

Answer:

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.