World Bank says 49 crore Indians lifted out of poverty, data shows

The World Bank released new figures indicating that 49 crore people in India are now living above the national poverty line, a substantial rise from previous estimates. The data, compiled from household surveys and economic indicators, suggests that anti‑poverty programmes and sustained growth have contributed to the improvement. Analysts note that while the headline number is encouraging, regional disparities remain, with several states still reporting high poverty concentrations. The report also highlights the need for continued investment in education, health and rural infrastructure to sustain the gains. Officials from the World Bank and the Indian Ministry of Finance said the findings underscore the importance of policy continuity and targeted social safety nets.

The World Bank’s assessment uses the international poverty line of $2.15 a day, adjusted for purchasing power parity, to gauge progress. According to the agency, India’s share of the global poor has fallen dramatically over the past decade, reflecting both demographic shifts and rising per‑capita incomes. The institution cautioned that future economic shocks could reverse some of the advances if not mitigated by robust fiscal measures.

Policy makers are expected to review the report’s recommendations in upcoming budget discussions, focusing on inclusive growth strategies that address the remaining pockets of deprivation. The data also serves as a benchmark for evaluating the effectiveness of flagship schemes such as the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act and direct cash transfers.