PER CAPITA INCOME ROSE BY 6.7 %

The per capita income in the country increased by 6.7 per cent per annum during 2004-05 to 2011-12, while the percentage of poor declined by 2.2 per cent over the period. "The growth in employment and GDP is expected to raise the levels of income/consumption and hence results in decreasing the percentage of poor in the country," according to official sources. The per capita income measured by net national income (NNI) has increased by 6.7 per cent per annum between 2004-05 and 2011-12 and poverty reduced by 2.2 per cent per annum during the same period, according to sources. For 2011-12, the Planning Commission has estimated percentage of people living below the poverty line at 21.9 per cent. The poverty line in 2011-12 in terms of monthly per capita consumption expenditure was estimated at Rs 816 in rural areas and Rs 1,000 in urban areas. State-wise, Uttar Pradesh had highest number of people living below poverty line during 2011-12 at 598.19 people below poverty line out of every lakh. It was followed by Bihar at 358.15 people (per lakh), Madhya Pradesh 234.04 people, Maharashtra 197.92 people and West Bengal at 184.98 people living below the poverty line. "The 12th Five Year Plan (2012-17) emphasises the need to build upon the achievements of the 11th Five Year Plan and strive for faster, sustainable and more inclusive growth in order to reduce economic disparities," the sources said.