Why is it in News?
- A research paper claims poverty is near 2% after a major drop between 2011–12 and 2023–24.
- The finding indicates major improvement in welfare and consumption.
Important Points
- Poverty fell from 21.9% to 2.3%.
- SC, ST, OBC and FC groups show decline.
- ST poverty remains at 8.7%, highest among groups.
- Rural poverty declined faster than urban.
- Himachal, Sikkim, Goa, Delhi, Chandigarh, Daman & Diu show near-zero poverty.
- Rising consumption, welfare and rural improvements driving reduction.
- Female labour inequality still persists.