ESTIMATION OF DISTRICT LEVEL POVERTY IN UTTARAKHAND Rajendra P. Mamgain M.H. Suryanarayana Submitted to Directorate of Economics and Statistics Department of Planning Government of Uttarakhand GIRI INSTITUTE OF DEVELOPMENT STUDIES (An Autonomous Institute Funded by ICSSR and Govt. of Uttar Pradesh) Sector - O, Aliganj Housing Scheme LUCKNOW - 226024, (U.P.) INDIA Phones: (0522) 2321860, 2325021 Telefax: (0522) 2373640 E-mails:
[email protected];
[email protected] November 2017 PREFACE Measurement of poverty and its elimination has been a core strategy of the development planning process in India since the beginning of its plan process. However, measuring poverty and its eradication has been a daunting challenge. Despite significant progress in the methodology of the measurement of poverty in India, the poverty estimates suffer due to paucity of data at more disaggregated level for effective policy interventions. In recent periods, with the availability of large data sets from NSSO quinquennial rounds on consumption expenditure both for central and state samples, it is possible to make robust estimates of poverty at district level for most Indian states. Keeping this in view, we have attempted to estimate district-wise poverty and inequality in Uttarakhand on the request of Directorate of Economics and Statistics (DES), Government of Uttarakhand. The study brings out several interesting features of poverty and inequality in Uttarakhand, which may be useful in prioritising action plans and resource allocations to eradicate poverty and promote inclusive development. The study has observed remarkable economic progress and resultant reduction in poverty in Uttarakhand particularly after its formation on November 9, 2000. However, high economic growth stands accompanied with widening regional disparities over the years.