World Bank Report: 49.6 Crore Indians Lifted Out of Poverty in 12 Years

India has made significant progress in reducing poverty over the past 12 years, according to a new report by the World Bank. The report reveals that nearly 49.6 crore people in the country moved out of poverty between 2011 and 2023, marking a major improvement in the country’s socio-economic conditions.

According to the World Bank’s India Poverty and Equity Brief – October 2026, the proportion of India’s population living below the poverty line declined sharply from 57.7 per cent in 2011 to 16.1 per cent in 2023.

The findings highlight India’s progress in poverty reduction and have drawn attention to the role of economic growth, employment opportunities and social welfare programmes in improving people’s living conditions.

Extreme Poverty Falls to 2.6 Per Cent

One of the most significant findings of the report is the sharp decline in extreme poverty in India.

According to the report, the extreme poverty rate, measured against the international poverty threshold of $3 per person per day, fell from 27.1 per cent in 2011 to just 2.6 per cent in 2023.

The decline indicates a substantial improvement in living standards for millions of people. The report also highlights progress in reducing poverty across both monetary and non-monetary dimensions.

These findings suggest that improvements in household incomes, access to essential services and social protection have contributed to India’s poverty reduction efforts.

Employment and Welfare Schemes Contribute to Poverty Reduction

The World Bank report attributes India’s progress to several factors, including increased employment opportunities, government welfare programmes and social protection measures.

Food subsidies and other public welfare initiatives are also expected to have played an important role in supporting vulnerable households and improving their economic security.

The report emphasises that poverty reduction involves more than an increase in income. Access to essential services, improved living conditions and greater economic opportunities are also important indicators of socio-economic progress.

Poverty Rate May Decline Further by 2028

The World Bank expects India’s poverty rate to decline further in the coming years.

According to the projections cited in the report, the poverty rate could fall to 14.2 per cent in 2026 and further decline to 12.1 per cent by 2028.

Continued employment growth and the expansion of social protection programmes are expected to contribute to this progress.

However, achieving these projections will depend on whether India can sustain economic growth, expand employment opportunities and ensure that the benefits of development reach vulnerable sections of society.

Nirmala Sitharaman Welcomes the Report

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has also welcomed the findings, highlighting the role of the government’s sustained policy efforts and welfare initiatives in reducing poverty.

She said the results reflect the impact of continued policy interventions and public welfare programmes. According to the minister, these efforts are helping promote inclusive development and create greater economic opportunities across the country.

The findings have renewed optimism about India’s economic and social development, particularly in terms of improving living standards and reducing economic vulnerability.

India’s Poverty Reduction Journey

The latest findings mark a significant milestone in India’s efforts to reduce poverty. The decline in both overall and extreme poverty reflects considerable progress over the period covered by the report.

At the same time, sustaining this progress will remain a key challenge. Expanding access to quality education, healthcare, employment and social security will be important to ensure that economic growth translates into lasting improvements in people’s lives.

The World Bank’s assessment provides an encouraging picture of India’s poverty reduction journey, while future progress will depend on the country’s ability to maintain growth and make development more inclusive.