Published: 30 January 2026PIB / PRS IndiaEconomy
Economic Survey: Social Sector — MPI Poverty Drops to 11.28%, MMR Reduced by 86% Since 1990
The Economic Survey 2025-26 highlights remarkable gains in social development. The Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) declined sharply from 55.3% in 2005-06 to 11.28% in 2022-23 (NITI Aayog estimate). By World Bank's revised International Poverty Line (2022-23), extreme poverty stands at 5.3% and lower-middle-income poverty at 23.9%.
Social protection coverage expanded dramatically from 22% in 2016 to 64.3% in 2025. Near-universal access has been achieved for drinking water (99.6%), electricity, sanitation (100% ODF districts), and improved housing outcomes.
Health outcomes have shown dramatic improvement since 1990: Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) reduced by 86% (versus 48% global average), under-five mortality down by 78% (versus 61% global), neonatal mortality reduced by 70% (versus 54% global), and infant mortality rate declined over 37% from 40 to 25 per 1,000 live births between 2013-2023.
Social services expenditure grew at a 12% CAGR during FY22-FY26 (BE), reaching 7.9% of GDP in FY26. Education spending grew at 11% and health at 8%. School enrollment stands at 24.69 crore students across 14.71 lakh schools. Higher education institutions increased from 51,534 in 2014-15 to 70,018 in June 2025. IITs expanded to 23 (including 2 international campuses in Zanzibar and Abu Dhabi), IIMs to 21, and AIIMS to 20.
0Mains angle
Q: Examine the Economic Survey 2025-26 findings on the social sector, including MPI poverty dropping to 11.28 per cent, the 86 per cent reduction in Maternal Mortality Rate since 1990, and their implications for India's human development trajectory.
Answer (50 words):
Economic Survey 2025-26 reports Multidimensional Poverty Index falling from 55.3 per cent in 2005-06 to 11.28 per cent in 2022-23. Maternal Mortality Rate fell 86 per cent since 1990 versus 48 per cent global average. Social services expenditure reached 7.9 per cent of GDP; higher education institutions rose to 70,018.
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CoverageNationalSubjectEconomicExamBasic Computer Instructor · CET Graduation · CET Senior Secondary · EO/RO · LDC · Mahila Supervisor · Patwar · PTI · RAS · REET · RPSC SI · School Lecturer · Senior Computer Instructor · Senior Teacher · UPSC · Vanpal · BothSourcePIB / PRS India
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Frequently asked questions
What has happened to India's MPI poverty level according to Economic Survey 2025-26?
India's **Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) declined sharply from 55.3% in 2005-06 to 11.28% in 2022-23** — a remarkable reduction in multidimensional poverty over 17 years.
By how much has India reduced Maternal Mortality Rate since 1990?
India reduced its **Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) by 86% since 1990**, reflecting significant improvements in maternal healthcare, institutional deliveries, and health infrastructure.
What is the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI)?
The **Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI)** measures poverty beyond income — considering health, education, and living standards. India's MPI fell from 55.3% (2005-06) to 11.28% (2022-23).
What is India's extreme poverty rate by World Bank standards?
By the World Bank's revised International Poverty Line, **extreme poverty in India stands at a low single-digit percentage** — reflecting India's success in lifting hundreds of millions out of poverty.
What social sector achievements does Economic Survey 2025-26 highlight?
Economic Survey 2025-26 highlights **MPI poverty falling to 11.28%**, **MMR reduced by 86% since 1990**, improvements in child mortality, school enrolment, and sanitation coverage.
