Bhubaneswar: The multidimensional poverty rate in Odisha stands at 15.68 percent per capita, as informed by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi in the state assembly on Thursday.
Responding to a query from BJD MLA Sanatan Mahakud, CM Majhi shared the findings from the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) released by NITI Aayog in July 2023. According to the index, Odisha’s poverty rate is 15.68 percent per capita.
Here are the district-wise headcount ratios:
The Chief Minister further outlined several measures being taken by the state government to address poverty and improve the quality of life for its residents. Among these efforts, Majhi highlighted the implementation of social security and developmental schemes aimed at poverty alleviation.
The state government provides monthly allowances to elderly and needy citizens through the Madhu Babu Pension Yojana (MBPY) and the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP). Food security is being ensured for eligible beneficiaries through the National Food Security Act and the State Food Security Scheme.
As per the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) of 2005, rural families are guaranteed 100 days of employment annually.
Furthermore, the Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY) is being implemented to reduce poverty among Scheduled Castes.
The Chief Minister also mentioned that the state government is collaborating with Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) and the Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana (GJAY) to provide cashless health services to eligible families.
To improve livelihoods, the state government is focusing on skill development and income-generation programs. One such initiative, the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY), aims to provide skill and employment opportunities to rural youth between the ages of 18 and 35.
Moreover, the government is promoting the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME) sector as a means to eliminate poverty and generate employment opportunities. To empower women economically, the Subhadra Yojana was launched in the current financial year.
In agriculture, the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme has seen an increase in the minimum support price for paddy by Rs. 800 per quintal, benefitting farmers in the state. The CM-KISAN scheme and interest subvention initiatives are also being implemented to boost the agricultural sector.
In terms of housing, the state government has provided homes to eligible beneficiaries through the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, aimed at improving living standards.
Additionally, plans are underway to construct houses for low-income families through the Antyodaya Gruha Yojana.
These initiatives reflect the state’s ongoing efforts to reduce poverty and improve the welfare of its citizens.
