Statement by India during ID with the Special Rapporteur on Extreme Poverty and Human Rights at the 53^rd Session of the Human Rights Council (19 June - 14 July 2023)  delivered by Mr. S. Senthil Kumar, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India, Geneva, Friday 30 June 2023

Madam Vice-President,

1. We welcome the Special Rapporteur’s thematic report that stresses on the need for ensuring employment guarantee to all individuals and recommends introduction of job guarantee scheme to create pathway to escape poverty. We also welcome and appreciate the references made by SR on the positive impact of India’s Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) in the report.

2. Employment generation coupled with improving employability is the priority of the Government of India.

Madam Vice-President,

3. 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, water, sanitation, education, skills, and clean fuel, have been operationalized. Targetted digital intervention is making a huge impact.

4. As per UNDP report in 2022, in India, 415 million people exited poverty during past 15 years or so.

5. In conclusion, we express our steadfast commitment to ensure complete eradication of poverty and leaving no one behind.

I thank you.

Words: 200

Time: 1.5 mins (90 seconds)