The recent discussion paper released by Niti Aayog has hailed Assam’s achievement in reducing multidimensional poverty of over 80 lakh individuals in the last nine years from 2014-15 to 2022-23. At the same time, the paper says that nearly 25 crore individuals in the country have been pulled out of this trap. The MPI measures deprivations across health, education and living standards with equal weightage being given to these three dimensions.
One must compliment the Government of Assam, especially the current dispensation, for a relentless drive against poverty. The number of welfare schemes in place, is fast adding to a series of improved human development indicators, be it in education or health. Agreed that as with any multidimensional index such as the poverty index, there are two opinions as with most economic indicators, but credit also must be given where it is due.
What is also significant is that while the rest of the country was struggling during the Covid-induced period of sluggish or negative growth, Assam was beating the convention, thanks to innovative policies of the Government. Rising GST collection, increasing State GSDP, buoyancy in investment, etc., are all pointing to an improved economy. This has allowed the Government to boost public spending and take up infrastructure projects which, again, is a sure way to beat poverty. In the last two years, the State Government has been able to attract private investment worth thousands of crores while appointing nearly one lakh youth in Government jobs. All these put together end up showing the Government of the day in good light while justifying the latest Niti Aayog findings.
