In a country that has made significant strides in reducing poverty, the reality for many Indian families is starkly different. Despite an impressive World Bank report stating that nearly 500 million people have moved above the poverty line, individuals like Hema Prajapat reveal that mere statistics often obscure the struggles and persistent hardships faced by millions. As families navigate the complexities of economic shifts, rising living costs, and inadequate support systems, the hope for a dignified life remains just out of reach.
Hema Prajapat, a 25-year-old woman from Rajsamand, India, poignantly expresses her plight, stating that even “thorns growing inside her stomach” would not hurt as much as the gnawing hunger her family experiences. With a monthly household expenditure of 11,000 rupees (7), Hema’s family spends significantly above the World Bank’s declared poverty threshold of 7,380 rupees () for a family of three. Despite this figure indicating that they are no longer classified as poor, the reality of their situation tells a different story.
India, recently crowned as the world’s most populous nation, has not updated its official poverty estimates for over a decade. As a result, the World Bank has relied on its own methods to assess poverty levels, claiming that the number of people living in extreme poverty has plummeted from 27.1% in 2011 to just 2.6% in 2023. Such improvements mirror those seen in China, which achieved similar success in lifting hundreds of millions out of poverty over four decades. However, while economists laud India’s achievements, they caution that this optimistic data should be viewed with nuance, noting that many families continue to live precariously just above the poverty threshold.
Central to this narrative is Hema’s experience. After being married at just 11 years old, she and her husband, Hari Prajapat, found themselves in dire straits when traditional pottery sales dwindled. Hari attempted running a street food stall, but that venture was curtailed by the pandemic. As a result, Hema began working as a caretaker, earning only 5,000 rupees () a month. Despite this income, the family’s financial struggles deepened, highlighting the discrepancies between statistical improvements and real-life experiences of hardship.
While government initiatives, such as providing free or subsidized food to nearly 800 million citizens, have been implemented, the rising cost of living poses significant challenges. Data shows that consumer prices in India surged by over 51% between September 2016 and September 2025, while wage growth has failed to keep pace. Hema notes, with frustration, that their monthly earnings often fall short of necessary expenses.
Furthermore, while access to free healthcare exists, Hema sought private treatment for her son’s health issues due to concerns about quality in public facilities. The treatment often leads to further financial strains, adding pressure to families already on the edge of slipping back into poverty.
Developmental economist Santosh Mehrotra emphasizes the fragility of financial security for many Indian households, noting that a single unforeseen event—whether it be a pandemic, natural disaster, or large personal expense—can significantly destabilize families poised on the brink of financial survival. This sentiment is echoed in the story of Hema’s neighbor, Sushila Salvi, who faced her own challenges when unexpected medical expenses arose during her pregnancy, forcing her to divert savings meant for her daughter’s education.
In New Delhi, Seema Kumar’s family also grapples with the harsh realities of living on thin margins. Despite spending above the poverty line for a family of three, she encounters health issues linked to environmental factors, which further underscore the vulnerability of those who appear to be living improved lives on paper.
Amid these struggles, Hema remains hopeful for her son’s future. She recognizes that their current stability is precarious, and even a brief interruption in her work could plunge them back into dire circumstances. “If I do not work for a single day – let alone a month – we can go back to the days of extreme poverty and deprivation,” she reflects.
The journey for families like Hema’s is emblematic of the broader challenges facing India—a nation marked both by significant economic progress and enduring pockets of hardship. As the country strives to chart a path toward inclusive growth, the narratives of those living on the fringes remind us of the complexities of poverty and the need for sustained efforts in creating viable solutions.
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