Higher decline in rural poverty than in urban poverty

from Domain B

Poverty in India declined by 4.3 pc to 21.8 pc in 2004-05 from 26.1 pc in 1999-2000, according to a report of the National Sample Survey (NSS) released by the Planning Commission today.

However there were still 238.5 million living in less than desirable conditions.

The decline in poverty was comparatively higher in rural areas where the percentage of people living below the poverty line fell to 21.8 pc (2004-05) from 27.1 pc (1999-00).

In urban areas, the percentage of people living below the poverty line fell to 21.7 pc (2004-05) from 23.6 pc (1999-00), according to the NSS estimates based on the Mixed Recall Period (MRP)- consumption distribution data.

The number of people living below the poverty line was estimated at 238.5 million - 170.3 million in rural areas and 68.2 million in urban areas - out of the over one billion population.

The level of poverty, based on the Uniform Recall Period (URP)-consumption distribution data, declined to 27.5 pc in 2004-05 from 36 pc in 1993-94.

According to industry estimates, India currently has about 120 ethanol-producing distilleries, which can manufacture 1.2 billion litres of ethanol every year.