OVER 50 CRORE LIFTED OUT OF POVERTY: PM

OVER 50 CRORE LIFTED OUT OF POVERTY: PM

2-NOV-ENG 1

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

DELHI--------------------------In a major statement on India's economic trajectory and welfare model, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared that nearly 50 crore (500 million) people in India have successfully defeated poverty over the last 10 to 12 years.

Citing findings from the World Bank's latest assessment reports, the Prime Minister highlighted that extreme poverty levels in the country have witnessed a steep and unprecedented decline, underscoring the success of direct welfare interventions, infrastructure growth, and targeted socioeconomic empowerment.

According to World Bank estimates, around 49.6 crore (496 million) citizens moved out of poverty between 2011–12 and 2023–24.

The proportion of people living under severe poverty dropped from 27 out of 100 to fewer than 3 out of 100 over the past decade.

The report indicated a significant expansion in employment, with overall employment growing by 13.4 crore (134 million) between 2017 and 2023, largely propelled by rural women joining the formal and paid workforce.

Taking a swipe at past political narratives, PM Modi noted that while political slogans of "Garibi Hatao" dominated political discourse for decades, true transformation has occurred through direct delivery of social security, financial inclusion, and housing.

Addressing the national gathering at Ekta Nagar during the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations, PM Modi referenced the World Bank’s Poverty and Equity Brief. He observed that India's proactive welfare measures have shielded vulnerable communities from systemic global shocks—such as energy crises and international supply chain disruptions.

"Earlier, 27 out of 100 people were in the grip of severe poverty. Today, this number has steadily reduced to less than three out of 100. This dramatic change is the outcome of empowering the poor with direct resources, dignified living conditions, and self-reliance rather than reliance on mere promises." — Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India

The Prime Minister reiterated that the journey towards Viksit Bharat (Developed India) relies on two pillars: national unity (Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat) and inclusive growth.

Government policies over the past decade have focused on saturation-level delivery of essential public goods:

Extending banking facilities to unbanked rural populations via the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana.

Expanding direct benefit transfers (DBT), healthcare coverage under Ayushman Bharat, and housing schemes via PM Awas Yojana.

Massive expansion of rural roads, clean drinking water access, digital connectivity, and power infrastructure, creating localized economic opportunities.

With extreme poverty brought down to single-digit percentages, India continues to solidify its position as one of the fastest-growing major economies in the world, setting a benchmark for global poverty reduction efforts.