RAS question
The Tendulkar Committee (2009) estimated poverty based on:
Correct answer: (A) Monthly per capita consumption expenditure.
The Tendulkar Committee estimated poverty using monthly per capita consumption expenditure (MPCE), rather than annual income, calorie intake alone or asset ownership.
Explanation
The Tendulkar Committee basis for poverty estimation was monthly per capita consumption expenditure. MOSPI's SDG National Indicator Framework metadata says poverty levels are estimated from consumer expenditure surveys conducted by the National Statistical Office, and that the poverty line follows the Tendulkar Committee Report. It further states that, under the Tendulkar methodology, the poverty line is expressed in terms of Monthly Per Capita Expenditure (MPCE) based on the Mixed Reference Period. That is why option A is the precise answer. The committee did not use a pure calorie norm; it moved away from the earlier calorie-based approach and estimated about 21.9% of India's population below the poverty line in 2011-12.
Why the other options are wrong
- (B) Annual household income is wrong because the Tendulkar approach used consumption expenditure, specifically MPCE, not household income.
- (C) Calorie intake only is wrong because Tendulkar moved away from the earlier calorie-based poverty line.
- (D) Asset ownership is wrong because MOSPI metadata identifies MPCE, not assets, as the basis for the Tendulkar poverty line.
Concept
This tests poverty estimation methodology under Indian Economy, especially the shift from calorie-based poverty lines to consumption-expenditure-based measures. RAS asks this because poverty measurement affects how candidates interpret welfare data, committee reports and official indicators.