There are no existing concrete estimates of the number of poor and depth of poverty in India. Reason for it and explain the measures which can be taken to measure the poor.

Topic:  population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues, urbanization, their problems and their remedies.

1. There are no existing concrete estimates of the number of poor and depth of poverty in India. Reason for it and explain the measures which can be taken to measure the poor. (250 words)

Reference: The Hindu

Why this question:

President Donald Trump praised India for having lifted “over 270 million people out of poverty” in “a single decade”, and said that “12 Indian citizens are lifted out of extreme poverty every single minute of every single day”.  Thus the question.

Key demand of the question:

The answer must discuss in detail the causes of lack of concrete estimates of the number of poor and depth of poverty in India and suggest measures that can be taken/adopted-to to measure poverty in the country.

Directive:

Explain – Clarify the topic by giving a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the particular context. You must be defining key terms where ever appropriate, and substantiate with relevant associated facts.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Briefly explain what poverty is, and how is it measured?

Body:

Discuss the aspects of Poverty and the established measurement systems in the country. Point out the flaws associated with it. Then move on to highlight why it is important to have the poverty numbers. Discuss the current levels of poverty in the country. Suggest possible measures that need to be taken to quantify and qualify the definition of poverty.

Conclusion:

Conclude by reasserting the need to recognize defining poverty as a key thing central to policies and programmes.