1. Introduction and Overview:

- India made a notable stride in poverty reduction as per a report by NITI Aayog.

- Nearly 24.82 crore people moved out of multidimensional poverty, with the poverty rate dropping from 29.17% to 11.28% over this period.

- The assessment was based on 12 Sustainable Development Goals-aligned indicators that reflected the living standards, health conditions, and educational access among the population.

2. State-specific Progress:

- Uttar Pradesh fronted the alleviation shift with approximately 5.94 crore people being freed from poverty.

- Bihar and Madhya Pradesh were next with successful poverty reduction, counting 3.77 crore and 2.30 crore people respectfully.

3. Swift Decline:

- The report highlighted the accelerated pace at which poverty reduction transpired- an average of about 2.75 crore individuals annually.

- The target set by NITI Aayog is to curtail multidimensional poverty to below 1%.

4. Progress towards Sustainable Development Goals:

- India is seemingly on the path to achieving its Sustainable Development Goals, especially the SDG 1.2 (to reduce multidimensional poverty by at least half), ahead of the 2030 target.

5. Key Contributors to the Decline in Poverty:

- Initiatives including Poshan Abhiyan and Anaemia Mukt Bharat enhanced healthcare accessibility resulting in a significant reduction of deprivation.

- India’s noteworthy Food Security programs and Targeted Public Distribution System played essential roles in supplying food grains to the rural and urban population.

- The government's extension of the free food grain distribution initiative “Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana” showcased their commitment to poverty alleviation.

- Programs addressing maternal health, distribution of clean cooking fuel through Ujjwala Yojana, increased electricity availability through Saubhagya and campaigns like Swachh Bharat Mission and Jal Jeevan Mission collectively elevated living standards.

- Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana and PM Awas Yojana were crucial in promoting financial inclusion and providing secure housing for the underprivileged.

6. About NITI Aayog:

- NITI Aayog, established on January 1, 2015, replaced the Planning Commission, following policies that prioritise 'Bottom-Up' approach and encouraging Maximum Governance, Minimum Government, and Cooperative Federalism.

- The organisation comprises two distinct hubs:

- The Team India Hub that fosters a middle ground between state and central government.

- The Knowledge and Innovation Hub drives its think-tank capabilities.

- Some prominent initiatives of the NITI Aayog are the SDG India Index, Composite Water Management Index, and the Atal Innovation Mission.