The Planning Commission, until its dissolution in 2014, played a key role as the nodal agency in the Government of India for estimating poverty levels at the national and state levels. The estimation of poverty was primarily based on large-sample survey data collected by the National Sample Survey Organization (NSSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.
NSSO and Poverty Estimates:
- Survey Frequency:
- The NSSO conducts household consumer expenditure surveys every 5 years on a large sample. Additionally, smaller annual surveys, referred to as ‘thin’ samples, are conducted with around 20,000 households.
- Data Collection:
- The surveys collect data on household consumer expenditure, providing insights into the spending patterns and economic conditions of households.
- Estimation Periods:
- Full surveys on 1,20,000 households are conducted every 5 years, while ‘thin’ samples are surveyed in the intervening years.
Committees and Poverty Numbers:
- Historical Context:
- The Planning Commission historically provided poverty estimates based on the definition linked to calorie consumption. The Alagh Committee Report and the Lakdawala Committee (1993) were instrumental in establishing these definitions.
- Suresh Tendulkar Expert Group:
- In 2005, the Planning Commission appointed an expert group led by Suresh Tendulkar to recommend a new poverty line for rural areas. The group submitted its report in 2009, shifting away from calorie intake as the sole determinant and incorporating a basket of goods and services, including health and education.
- Arjun Sengupta Commission:
- The Arjun Sengupta Commission on Unorganized Enterprises in 2007 provided an estimate suggesting that 77% of the population could be categorized as poor and vulnerable.
Transition Post-2014:
- The dissolution of the Planning Commission in 2014 marked a shift in the institutional landscape. NITI Aayog replaced the Planning Commission, and subsequent poverty estimates and related data were likely carried out under evolving frameworks.
Significance of Poverty Estimates:
- Poverty estimates serve as crucial indicators of the economic well-being of the population. They contribute to policy formulation, program design, and the evaluation of poverty alleviation initiatives. Accurate and timely poverty data are essential for addressing socio-economic challenges effectively.
NC Saxena Committee and Rural BPL Figures:
The Ministry of Rural Development appointed the NC Saxena Committee in 2008 to calculate the Below Poverty Line (BPL) figures specifically for rural areas in the states of India. The committee, chaired by NC Saxena, made several recommendations to determine BPL status and the distribution of BPL cards. Here are some key points from the committee’s recommendations:
- Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria:
- The committee recommended that 50% of India’s population should be given Below Poverty Line (BPL) cards.
- Families meeting certain criteria would be excluded from the BPL lists. These criteria included owning agricultural land double the size of the district average, possessing a two-wheeler, having a running bore well, or having members who are income tax payers.
- Automatic Inclusion for Disadvantaged Communities:
- The committee suggested automatic inclusion for certain disadvantaged communities. This includes households with members suffering from tuberculosis, leprosy, disability, mental illnesses, or HIV/AIDS. It also extended to groups designated as ‘primitive tribes,’ designated Dalit groups, homeless households, etc.
- New Parameters for BPL Definition:
- The committee proposed 13 new parameters for defining the BPL category of people in the country. These parameters covered various aspects such as landholding, type of dwelling, clothing, food security, hygiene, capacity for buying commodities, literacy, minimum wages earned by the household, means of livelihood, education of children, debt, migration, and priority for assistance.
- Notably, the committee moved away from the earlier definition based on food calories.
- Revised Definition:
- The revised definition of BPL status took into account a broader set of socio-economic indicators, reflecting a more comprehensive approach beyond just income or food consumption.
The recommendations of the NC Saxena Committee aimed to enhance the accuracy and fairness of identifying families below the poverty line in rural areas by incorporating a multi-dimensional approach to poverty assessment.
FAQs
Q: What is the role of the Planning Commission in addressing poverty?
The Planning Commission plays a crucial role in formulating and implementing poverty alleviation strategies in a country. It assesses the socio-economic landscape, identifies areas of poverty concentration, and devises policies and programs to uplift the impoverished sections of society.
Q: How does the Planning Commission contribute to poverty reduction?
The Planning Commission channels resources towards poverty reduction programs such as education, healthcare, employment generation, and social welfare schemes. It allocates funds, coordinates efforts across various government departments, and monitors the progress of poverty alleviation initiatives to ensure effective implementation.
Q: What strategies does the Planning Commission employ to combat poverty?
The Planning Commission adopts a multi-pronged approach to combat poverty, including targeted interventions such as providing access to education and healthcare, promoting skill development and entrepreneurship, creating employment opportunities, improving infrastructure in rural areas, and ensuring social protection for vulnerable groups.
Q: How does the Planning Commission assess the effectiveness of poverty alleviation measures?
The Planning Commission evaluates the impact of poverty alleviation measures through various indicators such as poverty rates, income distribution, access to basic services, and human development indices. It conducts surveys, collects data, and conducts research to assess the outcomes of poverty reduction programs and adjust policies accordingly.
Q: Is the Planning Commission solely responsible for addressing poverty?
While the Planning Commission plays a significant role in addressing poverty, poverty alleviation is a collective effort involving multiple stakeholders including government agencies, non-governmental organizations, community-based organizations, and international partners. Collaboration and coordination among these entities are essential for effective poverty reduction strategies.
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