Original: According to the criterion used by the Planning Commission of India 27.5% of the population was living below the poverty line in 2004 2005, down from 51.3% in 1977 1978, and 36% in 1993-1994Poverty estimates for 2004-05, Planning commission, Government of India, March 2007.
Simplified: 27.5% of the population was living below the poverty line in 2004 2005. Poverty estimates for 2004-05, Planning commission, Government of India, March 2007.