1. There is sustantial decline in povaerty ratios from 45% in 1993 to 37.2% in 2004.2. The proportion of people below poverty line further came down to about 21.9% in 2011.

Overview of Poverty Trends in India since 1973

Since the 1970s, India has experienced significant changes in its poverty landscape. The poverty trends in the country have undergone several transformations due to various factors, such as economic reforms, government policies, population growth, and social development initiatives. This answer provides a detailed explanation of the poverty trends in India since 1973.

1. Pre-1973:
Prior to 1973, India grappled with high levels of poverty, with a large percentage of the population living in extreme deprivation. The economy was primarily agrarian, and a majority of the population relied on agriculture for their livelihoods. Low agricultural productivity, inadequate infrastructure, and limited access to education and healthcare contributed to widespread poverty.

2. 1973-1990s:
During this period, India witnessed improvements in poverty reduction. The Green Revolution, initiated in the late 1960s, led to increased agricultural production and improved food security. The poverty rate declined from around 55% in the early 1970s to 45% in the late 1980s. However, despite progress, poverty remained a persistent issue, particularly in rural areas.

3. 1990s-2000s:
The 1990s marked a significant turning point in India's economic policies with the introduction of liberalization and globalization. Economic reforms aimed at opening up the economy, attracting foreign investment, and promoting private sector growth. These reforms resulted in steady economic growth, increased industrialization, and a rise in the services sector. As a result, poverty rates began to decline more rapidly, dropping from around 45% in the late 1980s to approximately 26% by the early 2000s.

4. 2000s-Present:
In recent years, poverty reduction efforts in India have gained momentum. The implementation of various government programs and policies, such as the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), and Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), has played a crucial role in poverty alleviation. These initiatives have focused on providing employment opportunities, enhancing rural livelihoods, and promoting financial inclusion.

Furthermore, investments in education and healthcare have improved human development indicators, contributing to poverty reduction. The poverty rate has continued to decline, reaching around 20% in recent years. However, despite progress, challenges such as income inequality, regional disparities, and urban poverty persist, requiring sustained efforts to address these issues comprehensively.

Conclusion:
India has witnessed significant changes in its poverty trends since 1973. The country has made considerable progress in reducing poverty, particularly since the 1990s. However, poverty remains a multifaceted issue that requires ongoing efforts and targeted interventions to achieve sustainable and inclusive development.