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India’s long-standing battle against poverty and inequality takes centre stage in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, a comprehensive roadmap towards a developed, inclusive, and equitable nation.
The focus is on reducing multidimensional poverty and ensuring equitable access to necessities for every citizen.
While poverty and inequality are global issues, their manifestations vary across regions.
India has adopted globally recognised standards, including the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), monitored through 248 indicators by NITI Aayog since 2015.
Recent rankings by the World Bank have provided comparative insights into income inequality, helping to track progress across nations.
State governments have risen to the challenge. Andhra Pradesh, for instance, has introduced the ‘Swarna Andhra 2047 – 10 Sutras’ in line with the national vision, allowing for systematic tracking of developmental goals.
The essence of this mission lies in macro and micro-level evaluation of poverty eradication and service delivery, supported by state and central government data.
As Chairman of the Twenty Point Programme Implementation Committee, the author has toured all 26 districts of Andhra Pradesh and conducted study visits to other states to share best practices.
These efforts ensure that education and healthcare remain key priorities in achieving long-term, sustainable progress.
India’s Strides Towards Inclusivity
India has made notable strides in reducing poverty. Since 2012–13, 27 million out of 35 million people have exited acute poverty.
International projections suggest further acceleration in poverty reduction over the next five years, driven by flagship schemes and the Antyodaya approach targeting the most vulnerable citizens.
Key Achievements Under Viksit Bharat Initiatives
- Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT): ₹40 lakh crore disbursed to 55 crore Jan Dhan accounts
- Housing: 4 crore homes built for the economically weaker
- Water Supply: 81% of rural homes now have tap water under the Jal Jeevan Mission
- Food Security: Free rations to 80 crore citizens under Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana
- Education & Skills: Strengthening through Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan and PM SHRI Schools
- Healthcare: 41 crore Ayushman Bharat cards issued; 9.84 crore hospitalisations
- Women Empowerment: 1 crore Lakhpati Didis and Drone Didis empowered; goal raised to 3 crore
- Youth & Startups: Over 51,000 PM Internship placements; skill centres supporting Start-up India
True equality involves ensuring access to dignified living conditions, education, healthcare, and financial stability for all.
Bridging the gap between people’s actual conditions and their basic needs is central to the Viksit Bharat mission. This includes creating an ecosystem where happiness and well-being are key indicators of national success.
Both the Union and state governments are aligning schemes with SDG indicators to evaluate and enhance impact. Andhra Pradesh’s ’10 Sutras’ mirror the national strategy, ensuring synchronised development at all levels.
India’s development journey under Viksit Bharat is not merely an economic endeavour; it’s a social commitment.
Each state must set and pursue ambitious targets, enabling every individual and family to contribute to the nation’s prosperity.
With persistent reforms and people-centric policies, India moves closer to its goal of eliminating poverty and achieving inclusive growth by 2047.
The changing face of poverty demands constant vigilance and adaptive strategies. The vision of a prosperous, equal, and happy India will only be realised through unified, relentless, and inclusive efforts.
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