Video: Rise in Poor, A First since Poverty Estimation Began in India: Prof Santosh Mehrotra (Nov 3, 2021)

While unemployment numbers have been ticking upwards for many quarters now, there is disturbing new data has emerged. A study by Prof Santosh Mehrotra is Research Fellow, IZA Institute of Labour Economics, Bonn and Jajati Keshari Parida estimate that poverty, as measured by the national (Tendulkar) poverty line, has increased by 76 million between 2013 and 2020 (up to June 2020) - before the real spread of Covid. It’s the first-ever increase. And all signs point to Covid adding to it.

Mitali Mukherjee spoke with Prof Santosh Mehrotra to unpack the numbers and what had led to the startling increase in those living under the poverty line.