Absolute poverty in India has dropped significantly in 20 years, but official estimates remain outdated
The World Bank recently raised its poverty line to $3 and $4.20 a day for low and lower middle-income countries
People below $3 a day fell from 27.1% in 2011-12 to 5.3% now; below $4.20 fell from 57.7% to 23.9%
Economic growth and targeted schemes have helped reduce poverty more than other policies
Poverty is higher in rural areas, but price differences need further study with new surveys
India must update poverty lines using recent survey data to guide policies and prevent setbacks
Clear data will help assess welfare schemes and ensure India’s own poverty measures lead policy