Media spotlight on poverty measurement: experts debate India's progress

A thought-provoking panel discussion on "Measuring Poverty in India" took place today, organized by the Foundation for Agrarian Studies (FAS) in collaboration with Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung (RLS). The session, chaired by Professor Madhura Swaminathan, featured a distinguished group of experts, including economists Gaurav Datt, Himanshu, P.C. Mohanan, and R. Ramakumar, who deliberated on the challenges and intricacies involved in accurately measuring poverty in India.

The discussion was sparked by the recent release of the Household Consumption and Expenditure Survey 2022-23 (HCES 2022-23) and a research article published in the Review of Agrarian Studies, which projected a national poverty headcount ratio of 26.4% for 2023. This figure brought renewed attention to the complex task of measuring poverty, given the diverse and multifaceted nature of deprivation in the country.

The panelists highlighted the need for a more comprehensive approach to poverty measurement, advocating for the inclusion of various dimensions beyond income, such as access to healthcare, education, and social security. They stressed that effective poverty alleviation policies must be grounded in accurate, granular data that reflects the lived experiences of India’s poorest populations.

During the discussion, Gaurav Datt pointed out that poverty estimates must go beyond traditional income measures to capture the full spectrum of inequality and social exclusion. Himanshu emphasized the importance of ensuring that poverty measurement systems are inclusive of marginalized communities, while P.C. Mohanan underscored the role of reliable data collection in shaping policy interventions.

R. Ramakumar, in his remarks, stressed that India’s poverty measurement methods need to evolve with the changing socio-economic landscape. He argued that policymakers must engage in a deeper examination of the root causes of poverty, beyond mere statistical measures, to design solutions that address structural issues.

The event attracted a wide range of participants, including researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders from both government and civil society. It served as a vital platform for knowledge exchange and constructive debate on the future of poverty measurement and the development of targeted poverty reduction strategies in India.

As the country faces ongoing challenges in eradicating poverty, the expert discussion contributed significantly to the conversation, reiterating the importance of rigorous, multidimensional research and data-driven policy-making to address one of India’s most pressing issues. The panelists concluded with a call for more inclusive and comprehensive policies that go beyond simplistic metrics and truly address the complex realities of poverty in India.