APSC Answer Writing (Daily) based on Assam Tribune – 02/11/2026

Model answer

Introduction: The World Bank’s October 2026 Poverty and Equity Brief reports a sharp fall in poverty in India. The real test is whether people stay out of poverty without constant state support.

1. What the Brief shows

• Extreme poverty: At the $3.00 a day line (2021 PPP), the rate fell from 27.1% (2011) to 2.6% (2023).
• Higher line: At the $4.20 a day line, the rate fell from 57.7% to 16.1% over the same years. By this measure, about 496 million people moved out of poverty.
• Drivers: Strong consumption growth, more jobs (especially for women) and wider social transfers such as food subsidies.
• Outlook: The Bank expects the $4.20 rate to fall to 12.1% by 2028.

2. Welfare transfers versus empowerment

• Data doubts: The Assam Tribune editorial asks whether official Indian data behind the estimates can stand close scrutiny. The Brief itself says part of the recent gain may reflect better measurement.
• Dependence risk: The editorial warns that free food, monthly stipends and free scooters may not sustain the gains if they replace real empowerment. It calls this the “Rabadi culture”.
• Balanced view: Employment grew by about 134 million between 2017 and 2023, much of it rural women entering paid work. So transfers alone did not drive the fall.

3. Way Forward

• Skills and jobs: Link transfers to vocational training and work, especially for women.
• Data trust: Publish survey data openly for independent checks.
• Exit plan: Support could be tapered step by step as household incomes rise.

Conclusion: The fall in poverty is real progress, but transfers alone cannot hold it. Jobs and skills must carry it forward.