496 million people climbed out of poverty in India — one of the fastest escapes ever recorded

The World Bank's October 2026 Poverty and Equity Brief records something extraordinary: between 2011 and 2023, 49.6 crore (496 million) people in India moved above the $4.20-a-day poverty line, and extreme poverty fell from 27.1% of the population to just 2.6%. Behind the numbers are everyday changes — employment grew by 13.4 crore (134 million) people, with rural women joining paid work in large numbers, food support reached more households, and electricity now reaches 99% of the population.

SDG 1 · No poverty