Question

According to Dandekar and Rath, what was the poverty percentage in Kerala during 1960-61?

1. 90.75 percent of the rural population was below the poverty line.
2. 88.89 percent of the urban population was below the poverty line.
3. Their estimates did not consider locally significant items like tapioca, banana, coconut, and fish.
4. The poverty levels were considered accurate by subsequent studies.

• A. 3 only
• B. All
• C. 1, 2, 3
• D. 1 only

Answer 1

Answer:

C. 1, 2, 3

• Dandekar and Rath's estimates for poverty in Kerala in 1960-61 indicated very high percentages, with 90.75% of the rural population and 88.89% of the urban population being below the poverty line.

• However, these figures were later criticized for potentially being exaggerated due to the omission of certain locally consumed food items like tapioca, banana, coconut, and fish, which were significant in the diet of the lower-income groups in Kerala.