Poverty in India has decreased but still represents one of the country's most pressing challenges, influenced by stark differences across rural and urban contexts and among various states. Certain social and economic groups are particularly vulnerable, and future poverty alleviation efforts are expected to depend on economic growth, universal education, declining population growth, and the empowerment of women and economically disadvantaged groups. The traditional poverty measurement focuses on a 'minimum' subsistence level, which many argue is inadequate; it must go beyond income to encompass what is termed 'human poverty,' which includes crucial needs such as education, healthcare, job security, and social equity. The eradication of poverty is continually evolving, as development changes the indicators of poverty, leading to bigger tasks such as ensuring health care, education, job security, and gender equality in the coming decade.