< b="" />Tenth Plan< />

The Tenth Five-Year Plan, which was implemented from 2002 to 2007, set a target of reducing the poverty ratio in India to 19.3 percent by the end of the plan period. This plan was formulated by the Planning Commission of India and focused on inclusive growth and poverty reduction.

The Tenth Plan aimed to address the persistent problem of poverty in India and improve the living conditions of the marginalized sections of society. It recognized that poverty alleviation was crucial for achieving sustainable development and emphasized the need for targeted interventions to uplift the poor.

Key features of the Tenth Plan:

1. Poverty reduction: The plan aimed to reduce the poverty ratio from 26.1 percent in 1999-2000 to 19.3 percent by 2006-2007. This ambitious target reflected the government's commitment to reducing poverty through various social welfare programs and inclusive economic growth.

2. Inclusive growth: The Tenth Plan emphasized the importance of inclusive growth, which means that the benefits of economic development should reach all sections of society. It focused on bridging regional disparities, reducing income inequalities, and ensuring equitable access to basic services such as education, healthcare, and sanitation.

3. Employment generation: The plan recognized the importance of creating employment opportunities to alleviate poverty. It aimed to generate 50 million additional jobs during the plan period through various means, including promoting entrepreneurship, skill development, and investment in labor-intensive sectors.

4. Social sector development: The Tenth Plan prioritized investment in social sectors such as education, healthcare, and rural development. It aimed to improve the quality of education and healthcare facilities, especially in rural areas, to ensure that every citizen had access to basic services.

5. Infrastructure development: The plan recognized the need for robust infrastructure to support economic growth and poverty reduction. It focused on enhancing connectivity, developing physical infrastructure like roads, railways, and ports, and improving access to electricity and clean drinking water.

6. Agricultural reforms: The Tenth Plan aimed to revitalize the agricultural sector by promoting sustainable farming practices, improving irrigation facilities, and providing better access to credit and technology for farmers. It recognized the importance of agriculture in poverty reduction, as a significant percentage of the population depended on it for their livelihood.

Overall, the Tenth Plan set a comprehensive agenda for poverty reduction and inclusive growth in India. While it may not have achieved all its targets, it laid the foundation for subsequent plans and policies aimed at addressing poverty and improving the living conditions of the marginalized sections of society.