Decadal review of poverty in India
May 19, 2026
Abstract
This paper reviews the state of poverty in India over the past seven decades. Though the definition of poverty shifted from a monetary to a multidimensional measure, estimates of the number of people living in poverty declined. The paper acknowledges the limitations of measurement of poverty and the challenges from conceptual clarity to the data gathering and interpretation in different time periods and different regions. The study attempts to look at several policy initiatives that tried to correct the imbalance. Finally, the paper compares international experiences of uplifting millions from the curse of poverty.
Keywords: Poverty Alleviation, Income Inequality, Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI), Public Distribution System (PDS), Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), Technology and Innovation
Note: This paper is being circulated as a working paper. A version of the paper is currently under consideration for journal publication.
Suggested Citation:
Mody, P., Mattoo, N., and Joshi, C. (2026). Decadal review of poverty in India. Working Paper, SPJIMR Paper Series, WP-2026-06. S.P. Jain Institute of Management & Research (SPJIMR).
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