Poverty and Human Development in India: A Study of Basic Socioeconomic Indicators

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between poverty and human development in India through selected basic socioeconomic indicators. It moves beyond a narrow income-based view of poverty and adopts a broader perspective that includes education, health, living conditions, employment, consumption, and human development outcomes. The study is based on secondary data drawn from trusted sources such as NITI Aayog, NFHS-5, PLFS 2023–24, HCES 2023–24, Census 2011, and UNDP. The findings show a clear decline in multidimensional poverty in India between 2015–16 and 2019–21, with a sharper reduction in rural areas. At the same time, the data reveal important progress in household amenities such as electricity, drinking water, and iodized salt usage. However, major disparities continue in sanitation, clean cooking fuel, education, health, and employment, especially between rural and urban areas and between men and women. Rural India shows higher fertility and mortality rates, while urban India records higher consumption expenditure and better educational outcomes. The state-wise correlation analysis further shows a negative association between multidimensional poverty and monthly per capita consumption expenditure, particularly rural MPCE. The study concludes that although India has made noticeable progress in reducing poverty and improving human development, persistent inequalities in access, opportunity, and living conditions continue to limit inclusive development.