Q. Tendulkar Committee report has revealed that in 2004-05, India’s poverty which was measured 27% at that time is actually increased more than 10% and actual poverty was 37% . Which among the following was the reason behind these two conflicting measures of poverty in India?
Answer: The new poverty line measures poverty on a wider access to commodity and services like health and education and not calories
Notes: The correct answer is that the new poverty line measures poverty on a wider access to commodities and services like health and education, not just calories. The Tendulkar Committee, established in 2009, revised the poverty measurement methodology in India, emphasizing a multidimensional approach that includes access to essential services. This shift highlighted that traditional calorie-based measures underestimated poverty levels, revealing a more comprehensive understanding of deprivation. As a result, the reported poverty rate increased from 27% to 37%. This approach aligns with global trends in poverty measurement, as seen in the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, which advocate for a broader definition of poverty.