Statement by India under Agenda Item 3: Interactive dialogue with Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty, at 56 th Session of Human Rights Council (18 June – 12 July 2024) delivered by Ms. Suman Sonkar, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India, Geneva, 03 July 2024

 Mr. President,

1. We thank the Special Rapporteur for his Report and take note of its recommendations.

2. India has taken several holistic measures to eradicate extreme poverty. Our approach has witnessed a paradigm shift, moving from short-term interventions to long- term empowerment for sustainable impact. From Swachh Bharat Mission's transformative impact on sanitation to Jal Jeevan Mission's provision of clean drinking water for all, our focus has been on building crucial infrastructure that empowers individuals and communities. PM-AWAS Yojana's housing initiative has provided affordable homes to millions. Several initiatives have been designed and implemented to bridge the skills gap, empower individuals, and unlock their potential for employment as well as entrepreneurship.

3. The emphasis on financial inclusion has been equally transformative. PM Jan Dhan Yojana has brought millions into the formal financial system. The “SMILE – Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise initiative”, aims at socio-economic rehabilitation of transgender persons and those engaged in begging.

4. India’s progress to uplift the underprivileged and marginalized has been truly significant. We have lifted more than 415 million people out of extreme poverty in the last 15 years. Currently, only 2.2 per cent of our population is living below the World Bank's poverty line. We are laying solid foundations for human development across the nation, while ensuring that this growth story continues to remain truly inclusive.

Thank you.