The spatial distribution of rural poverty in the last three quinquennial rounds of NSS

Abstract

The spatial distribution of poverty in India has emerged as a matter of urgent concern in recent times. Although much of this analysis has concentrated on the poverty experiences of states, there is considerable evidence of wide variations within states particularly, but not exclusively, the larger ones. This paper presents evidence on the poverty experiences of 75 NSS regions for the quinquennial rounds of 1987?88, 1993?94 and 1999?2000. The results presented here facilitate easy identification of lagging areas on which anti poverty policy must concentrate. Furthermore, regional inequality in the incidence of poverty has persisted over time. The economic reforms program has been unable to make any significant dent on the spatial distribution of expenditure poverty.