Useful information
Prime News delivers timely, accurate news and insights on global events, politics, business, and technology
The Hotmail co -founder knows Bhatia, has questioned the statements that 250 million Indians are no longer poor, calling the reference point of $ 5 a day “absurd” and asking how anyone could afford the basic life needs in that figure.
In a publication about X, Bhatia challenged the idea that escaping “extreme poverty” on paper translates into a significant economic elevation. “Really? Can you send your children to school, buy books, shoes, food, pay rent and public services?” He wrote. “What world do these people live in?”
His comments come in the midst of growing criticisms of the poverty line of $ 3/day from the World Bank, which is often used to declare success in the relief of poverty.
Even with a higher threshold of $ 4.20/day, almost a quarter of the population of India would still qualify as poor, a fact that is overlooked in celebration narratives.
Bhatia’s comments generated broader discussions about how poverty is defined and measures. An X user published sarcastically: “If you do not have to beg for your next meal, you are middle class,” criticizing the bureaucratic mentality behind the “multidimensional poverty” indices that do not reflect the real level of living.
Living cost surveys support these concerns. In cities such as Delhi, even basic monthly survival far exceeds ₹ 415, the equivalent of $ 5/day. Analysts say that at this level, education, medical care and decent housing remain out of the reach of the majority.
Critics argue that statements for the reduction of mass poverty hide a more fragile reality: a large population that looms just above the statistical thresholds, which still depends on state welfare and highly vulnerable to economic shocks such as disease or loss of employment.
Opposition leaders and economists have also questioned official narratives, pointing out slow consumption data and the continuous need for subsidized foods to underline disconnection between policy claims and daily struggles.
As Bhatia pointed out, a technical update of $ 3 to $ 5 per day can be a convincing holder, but does not translate into a real and sustainable middle class life.
