NITI Aayog CEO BVR Subrahmanyam stated that poverty in India has decreased to less than 5%, citing the most recent Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES).
The survey, which was carried out between August 2022 and July 2023, offers information on household consumption, highlighting the degree of poverty and the efficacy of government-implemented programs to reduce it. According to Mr. Subrahmanyam, one important indicator for assessing the efficacy of programs aimed at reducing poverty is the household consumption data from the survey.

According to the HCES data, consumption is rising, with a 2.5-fold increase seen in both urban and rural areas. During 2011–12, the average monthly per capita consumption expenditure (MPCE) in urban households increased by 33.5 percent to ₹ 3,510, while MPCE in rural India increased significantly by 40.42 percent to ₹ 2,008.
According to Mr. Subrahmanyam, “based on this data, poverty levels in the country could be closer to 5% or less,” the TOI reported.

The survey’s primary finding is the change in spending habits, especially with regard to food expenses. According to the survey, food accounted for less than half of the total expenses for rural households for the first time.

According to the survey, the urban-rural consumption divide has narrowed from 91% in 2004-05 to 71% in 2022-23, signifying a reduction in inequality.

“In food, consumption of beverages, processed food, milk and fruits is growing – an indication of more diverse and balanced consumption,” said Subrahmanyam.

Mr. Subrahmanyam asserted that the survey did not account for benefits like free education and healthcare provided by the Ayushman Bharat scheme, implying that poverty and deprivation have all but vanished.