Opinions About Poverty Line in India

The poverty line in India has been a subject of much debate, primarily due to the varying ways it is calculated. Some argue that the poverty line is set too low to accurately reflect the cost of living in urban and rural areas. According to experts, using income-based measures alone fails to consider the multifaceted nature of poverty, including access to education, healthcare, and sanitation.

• Income-Based Measure: It determines poverty based on income levels, but critics claim it fails to include other important factors, such as social security and quality of life.
• Multi-dimensional Poverty Index: This approach considers factors like education, health, and living standards to measure poverty more accurately.

Is Universal Basic Income (UBI) Appropriate?

The concept of Universal Basic Income (UBI) is gaining attention as a potential solution for poverty. UBI would provide every citizen with a fixed, unconditional amount of money regularly, aiming to reduce inequality and ensure basic financial security.

• Support for UBI: Proponents argue that it can alleviate poverty and boost consumption by providing financial stability to the poorest, promoting social equality.
• Concerns: Critics believe UBI might not be sustainable in a developing economy like India, as it requires significant government spending and could lead to inflation or disincentivize work.

Ultimately, while UBI has potential, its implementation in India must be carefully designed to avoid economic pitfalls.