Inter-State Disparities
This section outlines the inter-state disparities in poverty levels within India. Despite an overall decline in poverty from 12.8% in 2017 to 10.9% in 2021, the proportion of poor people differs significantly across states. The number of people living in poverty has decreased from 233 million in 2017 to 207 million in 2021. The differences in the definition of poverty lines can lead to varying perceptions of poverty across regions.
Additionally, despite visible progress in poverty reduction, some states such as Bihar and Odisha remain among the poorest, continuing to challenge India’s development efforts. This disparity necessitates a deeper understanding of regional socio-economic conditions, which influences targeted poverty alleviation strategies. Addressing these inter-state disparities is crucial for achieving broader goals of poverty eradication as outlined in the UN Sustainable Development Goals.