Synopsis Poverty is the severest challenge before the mankind. Measurement and estimation of the poverty is a complex issue which has been dealt in detail by several committees but with little unanimity. So far as the eradication of poverty is concerned, neither the higher growth in GDP during the last two decades, nor the especially anchored poverty alleviation programme could provide the desired results. Various approaches such as Growth mediated approach, capability approach, safety-net approach and basic human need approach have been tried in India and elsewhere in the world to alleviate the poverty which is still in abundance. More than 400 million people in India are living below poverty line.

The book discusses all these issues in detail. The volume is useful for development scholars, students, journalists and general readers interested in current trends in the measurement and the estimation of poverty and its alleviation.