Poverty Line Estimation — Prelims Strategy

Prelims Strategy

To ace Prelims questions on Poverty Line Estimation, a focused strategy on factual recall and conceptual clarity is essential. Firstly, create a chronological timeline of all major committees: Alagh (1979), Lakdawala (1993), Tendulkar (2009), Rangarajan (2014).

For each, memorize the year, chairman, and 1-2 headline recommendations (e.g., Alagh: calorie norms; Tendulkar: moved from calorie, unified basket, health/education; Rangarajan: higher calorie, separate baskets).

Secondly, understand key numerical facts: the 2400/2100 kcal debate, the Tendulkar and Rangarajan poverty lines for 2011-12 (e.g., Rs. 816/1000 for Tendulkar, Rs. 972/1407 for Rangarajan), and the World Bank's international poverty line ($2.

15 PPP). Thirdly, grasp the core concepts: calorie-based vs. expenditure-based methods, Mixed Reference Period (MRP), Purchasing Power Parity (PPP), Headcount Ratio, Poverty Gap Ratio. Finally, practice MCQs that test comparisons between committees and their methodologies.

Pay attention to trap options that mix up recommendations from different committees. Vyyuha's Quick Recall mnemonic 'ALERT' and a micro-timeline will be invaluable for quick revision.