Every year on October 17, the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is observed to recognise the struggle and efforts made by those who, due to various circumstances, are forced to live below the poverty line (BPL). The term “poverty line” refers to the minimum level of consumption deemed adequate in a particular country.
The theme of International Day for the Eradication of Poverty 2022
The theme for this year’s International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is “Dignity For All in Practice: The commitments we make together for social justice, peace, and the planet”.
In India, Tendulkar Committee, established in 2005 and headed by economist Suresh D. Tendulkar was appointed to estimate poverty. The current methodology for poverty estimation in India is based on their recommendations, according to which households having consumption expenditure less than Rs 816 per head per month (Rs 27 per day) in the rural areas and Rs. 1,000 per head per month (Rs 33 per day) in urban areas are living below the poverty line.
History of International Day for the Eradication of Poverty
The first International Day for the Eradication of Poverty was observed on October 17, 1987. An assembly was called in Trocadéro in Paris, where the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was written in 1948 to honour the victims of extreme hunger, violence, and poverty. More than 100,00 people came out to pay their tributes to those who had died from poverty and hunger. All the participants acknowledged that they needed to protect their rights and carved them on a commemorative stone. The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) declared October 17 as International Day for the Eradication of Poverty and adopted a resolution on December 22, 1992.
Significance
A large number of people around the globe are still reeling from poverty. According to a recent report from the World Bank, the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic have caused between 88 and 115 million more individuals to fall below the poverty line, where they are facing difficulty arranging two square meals each day. The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is therefore marked to raise awareness of this problem.
According to the United Nations, the day offers a chance to recognise the hardships of the poor and the efforts made by those who live below the poverty line. On the occasion of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, people can come out to voice their concerns and raise assistance in helping the poor.