Statement by India under Agenda Item 3: Interactive Dialogue with Special Rapporteur onExtreme Poverty and Human Rights at 44th Session of the Human Rights Council (30 June – 21 July 2020), delivered by Mr. Vimarsh Aryan, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India. [Geneva, 07 July 2020]

Madam President,

1. We thank the Special Rapporteur for presentation of his thematic report and note with concern the observations made therein with regard to challenges being faces by various governments in eradication of extreme poverty, which has further been exacerbated by the current pandemic situation.

2. COVID-19 has delivered an enormous global shock, leading to steep recession in many countries. The pandemic is already threatening the fulfilment of targets under Agenda 2030.

3. The pandemic highlights the urgent need for focused policy action to cushion its consequences, protect vulnerable populations, and improve countries’ capacity to cope with similar future events.

Madam President,

4. In India, we are implementing a comprehensive development strategy to end poverty in all its forms, through, inter alia, accelerated economic growth and development, strong focus on vulnerable groups, special focus on women and children and broader social safety nets. A wide range of programs for promoting gainful employment, and improving accessibility to basic services, such as health, nutrition, sanitation, education, skills, and clean fuel, have been operationalized. Targeted digital intervention is making a huge impact.

Madam President,

5. According to UNDP, as a result of the various poverty alleviation programs launched by India between 2006-2016, over 271 million people have been moved out of poverty, recording the fastest reductions in the multidimensional poverty index globally.

6. To cope with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, India has announced a US$ 270 billion stimulus package (10% of India’s GDP), including those focussed on women and their livelihood. These, inter alia, include PM’s Program for the Welfare of the Poor (PM Garib Kalyan Yojana), where a package of US$ 24 billion includes transfer of US$ 4.2 billion in bank accounts of 200 million poor families in the last 3 months.  Our largest food security scheme in the world will ensure sufficient food for the poor during COVID times.  We are also ensuring employment for rural labour in these difficult times.

Madam President,

7. We would like to hear the views and suggestions that SR has to offer to the States in this extraordinary time of the pandemic to ensure that the interests of the poor and other vulnerable groups are safeguarded.

8. Going forward, India’s underlying development strategy will remain focused on raising incomes, improving living standards, focussing on women and children and enhancing the ease of living of all communities, while leaving no one behind.

Thank you, Madam President.