IS POVERTY BEING UNDERESTIMATED IN INDIA?

Copyright infringement not intended Picture Courtesy: The Hindu Context: The debate over poverty originates from different data methodologies, and poverty lines, demanding the use of standardised assessment methods. About Poverty   Poverty is a state or condition in which a person or community lacks the financial resources and other essentials for a minimum standard of living. Poverty-stricken people and families might go without proper housing, clean water, healthy food, and medical attention. Standard Methods of Measuring Poverty Absolute Poverty defines poverty based on a fixed standard, such as the inability to meet basic needs like food, shelter, and clothing. In India, the Planning Commission previously set the poverty line using the Tendulkar Committee's methodology, which considered per capita consumption expenditure. However, this approach has been criticized for not fully capturing the multidimensional nature of poverty. Relative Poverty measure assesses po...