Logo

India's Extreme Poverty Rate Plummets from 27.1% to 5.3% in 2023

India has seen a dramatic reduction in its extreme poverty rate, decreasing from 27.1% in 2011-12 to 5.3% in 2022-23. Approximately 269 million people were lifted out of extreme poverty during this period, with significant contributions from states like Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra. Progress spans both urban and rural areas and includes declines in multidimensional poverty. Government initiatives targeting housing, clean fuel, healthcare, and financial inclusion have played a pivotal role in this achievement.

India's Extreme Poverty Rate Plummets from 27.1% to 5.3% in 2023

Significant Decline in India's Extreme Poverty Rate

India has achieved a remarkable reduction in extreme poverty, with the rate falling from 27.1% in 2011-12 to just 5.3% in 2022-23. This represents a dramatic improvement in living standards over the past decade and a half, according to recently released World Bank figures.

Massive Number of People Lifted Out of Poverty

The number of people living in extreme poverty has declined from approximately 344.47 million in 2011-12 to around 75.24 million in 2022-23. This means that roughly 269 million individuals have been lifted out of extreme poverty within this time frame.

Key Contributing States

States such as Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar, West Bengal, and Madhya Pradesh have played a crucial role in this progress. Together, these states accounted for 65% of the country’s extreme poor in 2011-12 and contributed to about two-thirds of the overall reduction by 2022-23.

Broad-Based Improvements Across Urban and Rural Areas

The World Bank's assessment, based on the $3.00 per day international poverty line (2021 prices), indicates a broad-based decline in extreme poverty across both rural and urban sectors:

  • Rural extreme poverty declined from 18.4% to 2.8%
  • Urban extreme poverty dropped from 10.7% to 1.1%

Using the $2.15 per day poverty threshold (2017 prices), the share of people living in extreme poverty dropped to 2.3% in 2022-23, down significantly from 16.2% in 2011-12.

Reduction in Poverty Population by Lower Consumption Thresholds

The number of Indians living below the $2.15 per day poverty line decreased from about 205.93 million in 2011 to approximately 33.66 million in 2022.

Progress in Multidimensional Poverty Reduction

India has also made substantial strides in reducing multidimensional poverty, which considers various deprivations beyond income. The Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) declined from 53.8% in 2005-06 to 16.4% by 2019-21 and further to 15.5% in 2022-23.

Government Initiatives Supporting Poverty Alleviation

Government programs have been instrumental in this progress, focusing on empowerment, infrastructure, and social inclusion. Key initiatives include:

  • PM Awas Yojana – affordable housing
  • PM Ujjwala Yojana – provision of clean cooking fuel
  • Jan Dhan Yojana – enhancing financial inclusion
  • Ayushman Bharat – healthcare access

Additionally, the deployment of Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), digital inclusion, and improved rural infrastructure has ensured transparency and efficient delivery of benefits to over 250 million people, supporting their escape from poverty.

India's Extreme Poverty Rate Plummets to 5.3%, Over 269 Million Rise Above Poverty
India's Extreme Poverty Rate Plummets to 5.3%, Over 269 Million Rise Above Poverty

India has achieved a significant reduction in extreme poverty, with the rate falling from 27.1% in 2011-12 to 5.3% in 2022-23. This equates to over 269 million individuals escaping poverty, even under stricter measurement criteria. Five states contributed substantially to this decline, reflecting effective socio-economic progress amid global challenges.

India Ranks 4th Globally in Income Equality, Surpassing G7 and G20 Nations
India Ranks 4th Globally in Income Equality, Surpassing G7 and G20 Nations

India has climbed to fourth place globally in income equality with a Gini Index of 25.5, outperforming major economies including the US and China. This progress stems from sustained government efforts in poverty reduction, financial inclusion, and welfare schemes such as PM Jan Dhan Yojana, Aadhaar-enabled Direct Benefit Transfers, and Ayushman Bharat healthcare coverage. Since 2011, extreme poverty has dropped dramatically, with over 171 million Indians lifted above the poverty line, marking a new chapter in equitable growth.

China Faces Rising Social Unrest Amid Economic Slowdown and Elite Discontent
China Faces Rising Social Unrest Amid Economic Slowdown and Elite Discontent

Recent scandals and economic slowdown in China have sparked widespread social unrest online, with citizens venting frustration over elite privilege and declining upward mobility. Cases involving prominent figures accused of nepotism and corruption have fueled doubts about meritocracy. The government faces the challenge of balancing social stability with urgent reforms amid growing public discontent.

Navigating Divorce in China: Why Booking Agents Are in High Demand
Navigating Divorce in China: Why Booking Agents Are in High Demand

Amid rising economic pressures and increased divorce rates in China, couples face difficulties booking mandatory divorce appointment slots online. This demand has created a niche for booking agents, who charge fees to help secure appointments. Experts link increased divorces to financial strain, highlighting a growing social challenge amid China’s shifting demographics.

Trump Urges Apple to Manufacture iPhones in the US, Threatens Tariffs
Trump Urges Apple to Manufacture iPhones in the US, Threatens Tariffs

President Trump is urging Apple to manufacture its iPhones in the United States, threatening a 25% tariff on products made overseas, including in India. This push follows a conversation with Apple CEO Tim Cook and broadens to encompass all smartphone manufacturers. Industry experts warn that relocating production to the U.S. could dramatically increase costs for consumers. The debate surrounding tariffs continues as the White House remains unclear about their implementation.

Mallikarjun Kharge Critiques 11 Years of Modi Government's Failures
Mallikarjun Kharge Critiques 11 Years of Modi Government's Failures

On the 11th anniversary of the Modi government, opposition leader Mallikarjun Kharge sharply criticizes the ruling administration for rising unemployment, inflation, and unfulfilled promises. He emphasizes the negative impact on youth, farmers, and marginalized communities, asserting that the initial promises of 'good days' have shifted to feelings of despair among the populace.

European Companies Reduce Investments in China Amid Economic Slowdown
European Companies Reduce Investments in China Amid Economic Slowdown

European companies are scaling back investments and cutting costs in China amid a slowing economy and heightened market competition, according to the 2025 Business Confidence Survey by the European Chamber of Commerce in China. Overcapacity in industries like electric vehicles and rising trade tensions with Europe and the U.S. are contributing to declining profits and lowered business confidence across nearly 500 surveyed firms.

Digital Misinformation Threatens U.S.-China Trade Truce
Digital Misinformation Threatens U.S.-China Trade Truce

Recent misinformation regarding the U.S.-China trade truce is proliferating across social media, casting doubt on the agreement. Falsehoods suggest Americans are panic-buying Chinese goods, perpetuated by state media. Investigations reveal a coordinated disinformation campaign aimed at luxury brands, complicating the narrative as trade negotiations evolve.

India's Extreme Poverty Rate Drops to 5.3% with World Bank’s $3-a-Day Benchmark
India's Extreme Poverty Rate Drops to 5.3% with World Bank’s $3-a-Day Benchmark

India has experienced a substantial decline in extreme poverty, with the rate falling to 5.3% in 2022-23 under the World Bank’s revised poverty line of $3 per day, down from 27.1% in 2011-12. The number of people in extreme poverty reduced from 344 million to 75 million. Poverty rates across rural and urban areas and multidimensional poverty indices also show marked improvements. Updated 2023-24 poverty data will be released in October.

India Slashes Extreme Poverty to 5.3% Despite Rising World Bank Thresholds
India Slashes Extreme Poverty to 5.3% Despite Rising World Bank Thresholds

India’s extreme poverty rate has seen a dramatic drop, falling from 27.1% in 2011-12 to 5.3% in 2022-23. Updated poverty thresholds from global economic standards did not hinder this progress. Factors such as free food transfers, narrowing rural-urban poverty gaps, and improved household data contributed to lifting nearly 270 million people out of extreme poverty. The nation’s transition to lower-middle-income status underscores its evolving economic landscape and offers optimism for continued poverty reduction and inclusive growth.

India’s Extreme Poverty Rate Plummets from 27.1% to 5.3% in 11 Years
India’s Extreme Poverty Rate Plummets from 27.1% to 5.3% in 11 Years

India's extreme poverty rate witnessed a sharp decline from 27.1% in 2011-12 to 5.3% in 2022-23, lifting around 269 million people out of poverty. Significant reductions were seen both in rural and urban areas, with five states contributing two-thirds of this drop. The Multidimensional Poverty Index also improved, highlighting broader social progress.

Congress Challenges Modi Govt Over World Bank's Report on India's Poverty Decline
Congress Challenges Modi Govt Over World Bank's Report on India's Poverty Decline

The Congress party has challenged the ruling government's celebration of a steep decline in India's extreme poverty rate to 5.3%, based on World Bank data using a revised $3 per day poverty line. They argue that this figure downplays persistent hardships amid inflation and inequality. The World Bank's updated threshold raised global poverty counts but showed significant progress for India, sparking debate over poverty measurement and policy implications.

India Aims to Become a Leading Global Defence Exporter, Says PM Modi
India Aims to Become a Leading Global Defence Exporter, Says PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced India's ambition to become one of the world's leading defence exporters, highlighting the nation's growing defence ecosystem and the importance of self-reliance. He emphasized the role of the 'Make in India' initiative and urged citizens, especially youth in Jammu and Kashmir, to support domestic manufacturing, linking this mission to employment generation and economic empowerment across the country.

World Bank Data Reveals Stark Poverty Contrast Between India and Pakistan
World Bank Data Reveals Stark Poverty Contrast Between India and Pakistan

The latest World Bank figures reveal a striking contrast between India and Pakistan's fight against poverty. India reduced extreme poverty from 27.1% to 5.3% between 2012 and 2022, lifting 269 million people out of poverty. Conversely, Pakistan saw extreme poverty rise from 4.9% to 16.5% between 2017 and 2021, reflecting deepening economic struggles and misallocated funds amidst heavy foreign bailouts.

India's Poverty Decline vs Pakistan's Rising Struggles: A Stark Contrast
India's Poverty Decline vs Pakistan's Rising Struggles: A Stark Contrast

Recent World Bank figures highlight sharply diverging poverty trends in South Asia. India decreased extreme poverty from 27.1% to 5.3% over eleven years, lifting over 269 million above the poverty line. Meanwhile, Pakistan saw extreme poverty jump from 4.9% to 16.5% in under five years, weighed down by increased debt, governance issues, and military prioritization fueling regional tensions.

PM Modi Plants Sindoor Sapling Symbolizing Courage on World Environment Day
PM Modi Plants Sindoor Sapling Symbolizing Courage on World Environment Day

Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked World Environment Day 2025 by planting a symbolic sindoor sapling at his New Delhi residence. Presented by courageous women from Kutch who stood out during the 1971 war, the sapling represents valor and cultural heritage. Modi emphasized the global need to combat plastic pollution and praised grassroots movements embracing sustainable practices like reduce, reuse, and recycle, reinforcing India’s dedication to environmental stewardship.

Tensions Escalate in Los Angeles Following ICE Raids and Mass Arrests
Tensions Escalate in Los Angeles Following ICE Raids and Mass Arrests

Immigration sweeps by ICE agents in Los Angeles led to protests, detaining over 40 individuals at multiple sites including Home Depot stores. Demonstrations escalated following the arrest of David Huerta, president of SEIU California, for obstructing federal agents. Law enforcement responded with pepper spray and smoke bombs amid community calls for solidarity and legal awareness, as officials criticized the raids' disruptive impact.

Trump Reviews Elon Musk's Government Contracts Amid Public Feud
Trump Reviews Elon Musk's Government Contracts Amid Public Feud

US President Donald Trump revealed plans to review Elon Musk's government contracts amid escalating tensions over a recent Republican tax and spending bill. Musk has vocally opposed the bill, calling it detrimental to the nation’s finances and advocating for political change. The feud has impacted Tesla's stock price and raised concerns about Republican unity ahead of upcoming elections. Both figures remain publicly at odds, with no immediate reconciliation in sight.