The Alagh Committee, formally known as the Expert Group on Estimation of Proportion and Number of Poor, was established in 1979 under the chairmanship of Dr. C. H. Alagh. Its primary objective was to refine the methods used to estimate poverty levels in India and to provide a more accurate and actionable measure for policymakers.
The committee’s work was pivotal in shifting the focus of poverty measurement towards nutritional requirements. Prior to the Alagh Committee, poverty estimates were often based on income thresholds and other broad indicators, which did not necessarily reflect the basic nutritional needs of the population. Dr. Alagh and his team proposed a poverty line directly linked to calorie intake, establishing that a person required a specific number of calories per day to maintain basic health and productivity.
The committee set the poverty line based on the recommended dietary allowances, which were tailored to reflect the nutritional needs of different demographic groups. This approach aimed to ensure that the poverty line not only identified those living below a certain income threshold but also considered whether they had access to adequate food to meet their dietary needs.
The Alagh Committee’s recommendations marked a significant shift towards a more scientifically grounded approach to poverty measurement. By emphasizing nutritional requirements, the committee provided a clearer and more relevant benchmark for evaluating poverty, influencing subsequent policy and program design aimed at improving food security and nutritional outcomes.
In conclusion, the Alagh Committee played a crucial role in redefining poverty assessment in India by focusing on the essential aspect of nutrition. Its work has had a lasting impact on how poverty is measured and addressed, guiding efforts to ensure that basic nutritional needs are met for the most vulnerable populations.