UPSC Prelims 1999·GS1·economy·economic sectors and development

Persons below the poverty line in India are classified as such based on whether

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Last updated 23 May 2026, 3:31 pm IST
  1. Athey are entitled to a minimum prescribed food basketCorrect
  2. Bthey get work for a prescribed minimum number of days in a year
  3. Cthey belong to agricultural labourer household and the scheduled caste/tribesocial group
  4. Dtheir daily wages fall below the prescribed minimum wages

Explanation

The correct option is A because poverty in India has historically been defined by a poverty line based on a minimum level of consumption expenditure. This expenditure is calculated to ensure that an individual can afford a prescribed minimum food basket that meets basic calorie requirements, along with some essential non food items. Options B, C, and D are incorrect because: B refers to employment schemes like MGNREGA but does not define the poverty line itself. C identifies vulnerable social groups but poverty status is based on economic consumption, not social identity alone. D refers to minimum wage laws which vary by state and sector and are not the formal metric used to classify the population below the poverty line.
economy: Persons below the poverty line in India are classified as such based on whether
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