Poverty Line Estimation — Policy Reforms

Entry	Year	Description	Impact
42nd Amendment Act	1976	This amendment significantly strengthened the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) by adding new articles (e.g., Article 39A for equal justice and free legal aid, Article 43A for participation of workers in management, Article 48A for protection of environment). It also gave primacy to DPSP over Fundamental Rights in certain cases. While not directly amending poverty line estimation, it reinforced the constitutional mandate for the state to pursue social and economic justice, thereby providing a stronger legal and philosophical basis for poverty alleviation policies and the need for accurate poverty measurement.	Enhanced the constitutional commitment to welfare and social justice, indirectly bolstering the policy imperative for poverty reduction and the identification of the poor. It underscored the state's responsibility to ensure a dignified life, making poverty estimation a critical tool for policy implementation.
97th Amendment Act	2011	This amendment gave constitutional status and protection to cooperative societies. It inserted Article 43B (promotion of cooperative societies) and made the right to form cooperative societies a fundamental right (Article 19(1)(c)). While seemingly unrelated, the promotion of cooperative societies can indirectly contribute to poverty alleviation and improved livelihoods, especially in rural areas, by empowering marginalized communities and enhancing economic opportunities. This reflects a broader constitutional approach to economic development that can impact poverty levels.	Indirectly supports poverty alleviation through economic empowerment and community-led development, particularly in sectors like agriculture and small-scale industries. It signifies a constitutional recognition of collective action as a means to improve socio-economic conditions, which can influence the economic well-being of those near or below the poverty line.