Poverty and Inequality in India, 2011–12 to 2023–24
Arvind Panagariya Vishal More
Poverty and Inequality in India, 2011–12 to 2023–24 Economic and Political Weekly Vol.61; No.10 - 07 March 2026 pp. 45-50
Using unit-level Household Consumption Expenditure Survey data for 2011–12, 2022–23, and 2023–24, this paper reassesses poverty and inequality in India at the Tendulkar poverty line and at higher expenditure thresholds. Extreme poverty declined sharply from 21.9% to 2.3%, with similar reductions across states and social groups, though Scheduled Tribes remain relatively disadvantaged. At higher poverty lines, substantial improvements persist, indicating gains beyond subsistence levels. Between 234 million and 421 million people are estimated to have exited poverty, depending on thresholds and methods. The Gini coefficient falls nationally and across states, suggesting reduced consumption inequality despite widening spatial and top-income disparities. Overall, recent growth appears broadly inclusive, combining falling poverty with declining expenditure inequality.
Economics
India
Poverty
Expenditure inequality
Poverty line
Household Consumption Expenditure Survey
Tendulkar poverty line
Scheduled Tribes
Social groups
Religious groups
Poverty and Inequality in India, 2011–12 to 2023–24 Economic and Political Weekly Vol.61; No.10 - 07 March 2026 pp. 45-50
Using unit-level Household Consumption Expenditure Survey data for 2011–12, 2022–23, and 2023–24, this paper reassesses poverty and inequality in India at the Tendulkar poverty line and at higher expenditure thresholds. Extreme poverty declined sharply from 21.9% to 2.3%, with similar reductions across states and social groups, though Scheduled Tribes remain relatively disadvantaged. At higher poverty lines, substantial improvements persist, indicating gains beyond subsistence levels. Between 234 million and 421 million people are estimated to have exited poverty, depending on thresholds and methods. The Gini coefficient falls nationally and across states, suggesting reduced consumption inequality despite widening spatial and top-income disparities. Overall, recent growth appears broadly inclusive, combining falling poverty with declining expenditure inequality.
Economics
India
Poverty
Expenditure inequality
Poverty line
Household Consumption Expenditure Survey
Tendulkar poverty line
Scheduled Tribes
Social groups
Religious groups