International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is celebrated on October 17 annually by the United Nations. The day is significant globally as a reminder of the ongoing battle against poverty in all its dimensions.
The theme for 2023 is “Decent Work and Social Protection: Putting Dignity in Practice for All,” focusing on universal access to decent work and social protection.

Poverty is recognized as a complex issue, affecting various aspects of life such as access to healthcare, education, and social inclusion, and not just income.

· According to the United Nations, 8.4% of the world’s population (approximately 670 million people) lived in extreme poverty at the end of 2022.

· An estimated 7% of the global population (around 575 million people) could still be in extreme poverty by 2030.

The day emphasizes the importance of cooperation, human rights, and social justice in addressing poverty.
It was first commemorated in Paris, France, in 1987, and the commemorative stone was unveiled by Joseph Wresinski, founder of the International Movement ATD Fourth World.
In 1992, the United Nations officially designated October 17 as the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.
It highlights the commitment to addressing social, economic, and human rights issues stemming from poverty and the need for collective action to alleviate suffering.
The day calls for sustainable and inclusive development to ensure that no one is left behind, aiming for a world where poverty does not hinder dignity, opportunity, and hope.

Definition

Poverty, according to the World Bank, represents severe deprivation in well-being and encompasses multiple dimensions.
It involves low incomes and the inability to access essential goods and services necessary for a dignified life.
Poverty includes factors like poor health, limited education, lack of access to clean water and sanitation, inadequate physical security, absence of a voice in decision-making, and insufficient capacity and opportunities for personal advancement.
In India, 21.9% of the population lives below the national poverty line in 2011.

Committees on Poverty Estimation

Working Group of 1962
N. Dandekar and N. Rath in 1971
K. Alagh in 1979
T. Lakdawala in 1993
Suresh Tendulkar in 2009
Rangarajan in 2014
Currently, the Tendulkar poverty line is used for measuring poverty in India as the government did not adopt the recommendations of the Rangarajan Committee.

Government Initiatives to address Poverty

Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS)
Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM)
Deen Dayal Upadhyay – Gramin Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY)
Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana – Gramin (PMAY-G)
Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY)
Shyama Prasad Mukherjee National RuRBAN Mission (SPMRM)
National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP)
Programs of Department of Land Resources, including the Watershed Development Component of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (WDC-PMKSY).
Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana
Schemes for Financial Assistance: Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi; and Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana.
Integrated Rural Development Programme (IRDP)

International Day for the Eradication of Poverty