The Tendulkar Committee, officially named the Expert Group on Estimation of Poverty, was established in 2005 under the chairmanship of Dr. Suresh D. Tendulkar. Its primary mandate was to reassess and refine the methods used to estimate poverty in India, reflecting changes in economic conditions and consumption patterns.
The committee’s work marked a significant shift from earlier poverty measurement methodologies. It built upon the Lakdawala Committee’s consumption-based approach but introduced several key refinements. One of the most notable changes was the adoption of a revised poverty line that better accounted for the cost of living variations across different regions of India. This adjustment was crucial for providing a more accurate reflection of poverty levels nationwide.
The Tendulkar Committee also emphasized the importance of using current data on household consumption. It updated the poverty line to reflect contemporary expenditure patterns and addressed the need for periodic updates to maintain the relevance of poverty measures. The committee recommended setting the poverty line based on the National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO) data, ensuring that it was grounded in empirical evidence from the latest surveys.
Furthermore, the committee recognized the impact of inflation and changes in economic conditions on poverty measurement. It proposed linking the poverty line to changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) to adjust for inflation, thereby maintaining the real value of the poverty line over time.
The Tendulkar Committee’s recommendations have significantly influenced poverty measurement and policy in India. By incorporating a more dynamic approach to assessing poverty and adjusting for regional disparities and inflation, the committee provided a more accurate and practical framework for understanding and addressing poverty. Its work has been instrumental in guiding government policies and poverty alleviation programs, ensuring they are better aligned with current economic realities and consumption patterns.