Poverty estimation in India
Distilled Policy Brief
- India’s poverty headcount fell from 37 % in 2004‑05 to 22 % in 2011‑12, as per Planning Commission data released in July 2013.
- Using the Tendulkar Committee’s methodology, the annual decline accelerated from 0.74 percentage points (1993‑94 to 2004‑05) to 2.18 percentage points (2004‑05 to 2011‑12).
- State‑wise figures for 2004‑05 and 2011‑12 show varied reductions, with Andhra Pradesh dropping 20.7 pp while Arunachal Pradesh saw a 3.6 pp rise (negative decrease).
🎯 Prelims High-Yield Examination Points
Trend of poverty reduction and methodological shift under the Tendulkar Committee.
⚖️ Mains Analytical & Syllabus Linkages
Assess the impact of declining poverty on fiscal policy and address inter‑state disparities.
🎯 UPSC Prelims Practice Drill
According to the Planning Commission data released in July 2013, what was the average annual decline in the poverty headcount percentage in India between 2004‑05 and 2011‑12?
- [A] 0.74 percentage points
- [B] 1.5 percentage points
- [C] 2.18 percentage points
- [D] 3.0 percentage points
▶ Reveal Official Answer & Analytical Explanation
The Planning Commission’s July 2013 release states that the annual decline accelerated from 0.74 pp (1993‑94 to 2004‑05) to 2.18 pp (2004‑05 to 2011‑12). Hence the correct figure is 2.18 pp. The other options do not match the reported average decline.
🏛️ Historical Twin PYQ Anchor (2021)
Consider the following statements regarding the "National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)": 1. It is implemented by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. 2. Central Pollution Control Board acts as the sole regulatory executive body.