About 30% of people in India were below the poverty line in 2009-10 that was based on the monthly per capita consumption expenditure (MPCE) of R673 for rural areas and R860 for urban areas, Parliament was informed today.

“As per the latest available information, the poverty line at all India level for 2009-10 is estimated as MPCE of R673 for rural areas and R860 for urban areas. The percentage of people living below poverty line in the country in 2009-10 has been estimated at 29.8 per cent,” minister of State for Parliamentary affairs and planning Rajeev Shukla told the Lok Sabha in a written reply.