Poverty in India is a significant problem, with over 30% of the population living below the poverty line according to 2009-2010 data. Key factors contributing to poverty include lack of access to healthcare, education, clean water, shelter, and regular employment. Unemployment, over-reliance on agriculture, high population growth, and historical caste discrimination have also exacerbated poverty conditions in India.

3. Hunger&lack of shelter
Sick people cannot afford
treatment..
Situation when parents are not able
to send their children to school.
Lack of clean water
Lack of regular jobs

6. Year Rural Urban Combined
1973-74 56.4 49 55
1993-94 37.3 32.4 36
1999-00 27.1 23.6 26
2004-05 28.3 25.7 27
2009-10 34 27 30
Poverty Ratio (%)

7. Vulnerable Groups

15. Causes of poverty
• Unemployment and underemployment, arising in part from protectionist
policies pursued till 1991 that prevented high foreign investment.
• About 60% of the population depends on agriculture whereas the
contribution of agriculture to the GDP is about 18%.
• High population growth rate, although demographers generally agree that
this is a symptom rather than cause of poverty.
• The caste system, under which hundreds of millions of Indians were kept
away from educational, ownership, and employment opportunities, and
subjected to violence for "getting out of line." British rulers encouraged
caste privileges and customs, at least before the 20th century.