To measure number of poor in India HEAD COUNT RATIO method is used. Head count ratio is the count of people below the poverty line. It measure the proportion of population below poverty line.
This data of people below poverty line is given by NITI AAYOG. Niti Aayog collect data from National statistical office. NSO collect data on the basis of consumption expenditure of people. According to Niti Aayog previous trends of poverty that prevailed in the country are:-
- 1973-1974 – 320 million poor people which was 55% of total population.
- 2011-2012 – 270 million poor people which was 22% of total population.
Different state having different trends of poverty.
- Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal and Orissa have maximum number of poor in 1973-1974.
West Bengal and Tamil Nadu recovered from poverty well than other states. Other four states continue to having more population below poverty line.