Answer: 

Introduction:

The measurement of poverty in India has been a subject of intense debate with various estimates put forth by different organizations and committees. Though the methods and exact figures vary, there is a broad consensus that poverty levels have decreased over time.

Body:

However, the rate of decrease and the disparity between urban and rural areas require critical examination.

• As per the Tendulkar Committee (2009), the poverty ratio was estimated to be 29.8% in 2009-10, down from 37.2% in 2004-05.
• The Rangarajan Committee (2014) estimated a higher poverty ratio at 29.5% in 2011-12, but this also indicated a decline from previous years.

Several key indicators reflect this decline in poverty:

• Income and Consumption: The per capita income and consumption levels have been rising over the years, indicating an overall reduction in poverty.
• Employment: There has been a gradual shift from agricultural to non-agricultural jobs, especially in urban areas, leading to higher incomes and reduced poverty.
• Education and Health: Increased access to education and healthcare has contributed to poverty reduction by enhancing people’s capabilities and opportunities.
• Public Distribution System (PDS): The government’s food security programs have been instrumental in reducing extreme poverty.

However, the decline in poverty has not been uniform across urban and rural areas:

• Rural Poverty: While poverty has decreased in rural areas due to factors such as agricultural growth and rural employment schemes like MGNREGA, the pace of reduction has been slow. Many rural households continue to suffer from low incomes, indebtedness, and lack of access to basic services.
• Urban Poverty: In urban areas, poverty has declined more rapidly due to industrialization and service sector growth. However, urban poverty is often underestimated as cost-of-living differences are not adequately considered in poverty estimates. Slums, inadequate housing, and lack of basic services remain significant challenges in urban areas.

Conclusion:

While there is general agreement that poverty in India has reduced over time, the pace of reduction and the extent of poverty remain contentious issues. The disparity between urban and rural poverty underlines the need for region-specific strategies to address poverty. Additionally, the focus should not just be on income-based measures of poverty but also on multi-dimensional poverty which includes access to basic services like education, health, sanitation, and housing.

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