The government has adopted a revised methodology for measuring poverty levels across the country, introducing a new benchmark that classifies individuals earning more than Rs. 8,483 per month as being above the poverty line. Under this updated framework, only those with monthly incomes below that threshold are considered to be living in poverty.
The revised calculation has sparked discussion among economists and policy observers, with some describing it as an unconventional approach to defining poverty and assessing living standards. Critics argue that poverty measurements should account for rising living costs, inflation, and access to essential services, while supporters maintain that standardized benchmarks are necessary for tracking economic progress and designing social welfare programs.
Based on the new methodology, official estimates indicate that approximately 28.9% of the country’s population currently falls below the poverty line. The updated figures are expected to play an important role in shaping future economic policies, poverty alleviation initiatives, and government support programs aimed at improving the livelihoods of lower-income households.
The revised poverty assessment comes at a time when policymakers are closely monitoring economic conditions, household incomes, and the overall cost of living, making poverty measurement a key factor in national development planning and resource allocation.
