Which economist first studied poverty in India and indicated a decrease in the percentage of rural poor between 1956-1968 ?

Question

Accepted Answer

Option 2, B. S. Minhas, is the correct answer because he was a prominent Indian economist known for his extensive work on poverty and income distribution in India. B. S. Minhas conducted significant research on the measurement of poverty and was one of the first to analyze the trends in poverty levels in India during the post-independence period. His studies provided insights into the economic conditions of rural India and indicated a decrease in the percentage of rural poor between 1956 and 1968. Minhas's work was instrumental in shaping the understanding of poverty dynamics in India and contributed to policy discussions on poverty alleviation.

Now, let's explain why the other options are incorrect:

1. B. M. Dandekar: Although B. M. Dandekar was an influential economist who also worked on poverty and economic planning in India, he is not specifically credited with the first study indicating a decrease in rural poverty between 1956 and 1968. His contributions were more focused on broader economic planning and policy analysis.

3. D. T. Lakkarwala: There is limited information available about D. T. Lakkarwala in the context of pioneering studies on poverty in India. He is not recognized as a key figure in the early analysis of poverty trends during the specified period.

4. M. S. Ahluwalia: M. S. Ahluwalia is a well-known Indian economist who played a significant role in economic reforms and policy-making in India, particularly during the 1990s. However, his work is more associated with economic reforms and liberalization rather than the specific study of poverty trends between 1956 and 1968.

In conclusion, B. S. Minhas is the correct answer because of his pioneering research on poverty in India, which specifically addressed the trends in rural poverty during the period in question.