| Category | 2018-19 | 2024-25 |
|---|---|---|
| National | 21.9% | 28.2% |
| Urban | 11.0% | 17.4% |
| Rural | 28.3% | 36.2% |
Urban poverty rising from 11.0% to 17.4% signals collapse in purchasing power. Rural poverty climbing to 36.2% reflects agricultural stress, energy pricing distortions, and weak rural productivity.
This is not cyclical fluctuation. It is deterioration.









































