Bihar has achieved a significant milestone by topping the list of Indian states in poverty reduction, according to a recent report by NITI Aayog. Over the financial years 2015-16 to 2019-21, the proportion of the poor in Bihar’s population has declined from 51.89% to 33.76%, showcasing remarkable progress. Bihar’s Planning and Development Minister, Bijendra Prasad Yadav, stated that approximately 2.25 crore people have escaped multidimensional poverty in the state, the highest rate in the country. This achievement highlights Bihar’s rapid pace in lifting its population out of poverty, encompassing various challenges beyond just economic concerns.
Bihar Tops Indian States in Poverty Reduction: NITI Aayog Report
NITI Aayog’s National Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI): A Progress Review 2023, released earlier this week, revealed the remarkable reduction in poverty across various states. Yadav proudly mentioned that Bihar led the pack with an 18.13% decline, followed by Madhya Pradesh (15.94%), Uttar Pradesh (14.75%), Odisha (13.66%), and Rajasthan (13.55%). He praised the government of Bihar, led by Nitish Kumar, for effectively combating poverty in the state. Notably, the report indicated a significant reduction in rural poverty in Bihar, decreasing from 56% to 36.95%, compared to the national average of 13.31% reduction. The report encompassed estimates of multidimensional poverty for 36 states and union territories and 707 administrative districts, aligning its parameters with the Sustainable Development Goals. These parameters encompass health, education, and standard of living indicators.
Remarkable Progress in Poverty Reduction: Bihar’s Success Story
Yadav also highlighted the improvements in health facilities in Bihar, with a notable reduction of 14.75% in the population deprived of nutrition indicators. Similarly, the population deprived of a year of schooling in the education indicator declined to 7.11%. Progress was also evident in areas such as cooking fuel, electricity, and bank account accessibility, showcasing a comprehensive approach towards poverty alleviation in the state.
