India Achieves Milestone: 24.82 Crore People Emerge from Multidimensional Poverty

In a significant achievement, India has witnessed a remarkable decline in multidimensional poverty, with approximately 24.82 crore people moving out of this condition between 2013-14 and 2022-23. This progress is highlighted in a recent report released by NITI Aayog, showcasing the country's commitment to inclusive growth and transformative economic changes.

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Key Findings of the Report

According to the NITI Aayog discussion paper, multidimensional poverty in India has declined from 29.17% in 2013-14 to 11.28% in 2022-23, marking a substantial reduction of 17.89 percentage points. This translates to approximately 24.82 crore people escaping multidimensional poverty during this period.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledged this encouraging development, emphasizing the government's dedication to fostering inclusive growth and implementing transformative changes in the economy. The aim is to ensure all-round development and a prosperous future for every Indian citizen.

Measuring Multidimensional Poverty

The National Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) developed by NITI Aayog employs the Alkire Foster methodology to assess the decline in poverty rates. This index considers simultaneous deprivations across three equally weighted dimensions: health, education, and standard of living. These dimensions are represented by 12 indicators aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The indicators encompass nutrition, child and adolescent mortality, maternal health, years of schooling, school attendance, cooking fuel, sanitation, drinking water, electricity, housing, assets, and bank accounts.

State-wise Progress

At the state level, Uttar Pradesh recorded the highest number of people escaping poverty, with 5.94 crore individuals moving out of this condition. Bihar followed with 3.77 crore people, and Madhya Pradesh witnessed 2.30 crore people escaping poverty.

All 12 indicators of the MPI have shown significant improvement during this period, contributing to the overall decline in multidimensional poverty.

Government's Commitment to Poverty Reduction

Addressing reporters after the release of the report, NITI Aayog member Ramesh Chand highlighted that the 24.82 crore people who escaped multidimensional poverty in nine years equate to approximately 2.75 crore individuals escaping this condition annually.

The government's goal is to bring down multidimensional poverty to below 1%, and concerted efforts are being made in this direction, as emphasized by NITI Aayog CEO BVR Subrahmanyam. The paper projects that India is poised to achieve single-digit poverty levels by 2024.

Faster Decline in Poorer States

The report also reveals that poorer states have experienced a faster decline in poverty, indicating a reduction in disparities. This positive trend aligns with the government's focus on inclusive growth and addressing regional imbalances.

Progress Towards Sustainable Development Goals

India is on track to achieve SDG 1.2, which aims to reduce multidimensional poverty by at least half, well ahead of the target year of 2030. This demonstrates the country's commitment to achieving the SDGs and improving the well-being of its citizens.

Key Contributors to Poverty Reduction

According to Ramesh Chand, the growth in the agriculture sector during the past nine years has accelerated compared to any other period. This growth has played a significant role in reducing poverty, particularly in rural areas.

The report also highlights the persistent challenges in certain indicators. Cooking fuel and housing continue to have the highest deprivation levels, while indicators such as child and adolescent mortality, electricity, and bank accounts maintain the lowest deprivation levels.

The NITI Aayog report presents a comprehensive analysis of multidimensional poverty in India and showcases the significant progress achieved in recent years. With 24.82 crore people moving out of multidimensional poverty between 2013-14 and 2022-23, India is demonstrating its commitment to inclusive growth and transformative economic policies. The government's continued efforts, coupled with targeted interventions, hold promise for further reducing poverty and ensuring a better quality of life for all citizens.