Poverty is a major challenge in India, with approximately 26 crore (260 million) people living below the poverty line. This represents about one-fourth of the country's population, constituting the largest concentration of poor people in the world. Poverty means lack of adequate income to fulfill basic needs like food, health care, education and shelter. It is manifested in cases of landless laborers and slum dwellers who struggle to afford even one meal per day or medical care when sick. Historical reasons for poverty include colonial economic policies and subsequent issues like population growth, unemployment, illiteracy, and socio-cultural factors that worsen economic inequalities. The government has implemented various targeted programs to alleviate