Poverty may be defined as a condition in which an individual or a household is unable to secure the minimum basic necessities of life such as food, clothing, shelter, health care, education, and a reasonable standard of living. It is not merely the lack of income, but also the deprivation of opportunities, capabilities, and choices necessary to lead a dignified life. Poverty can be understood in two major forms: absolute poverty and relative poverty. Absolute poverty refers to a situation where income is insufficient to meet basic survival needs, often measured through a poverty line based on consumption expenditure. Relative poverty, on the other hand, refers to inequality in the distribution of income and resources, where certain groups remain significantly disadvantaged compared to the rest of society. In the context of population and development, poverty is both a cause and a consequence of underdevelopment, closely linked with demographic trends, resource distribution, and social structures. In India, poverty is influenced by multiple and interrelated factors. One of the primary factors is rapid population growth. India has experienced significant population expansion over the past decades. When population growth outpaces economic growth and job creation, it results in pressure on land, resources, infrastructure, and employment opportunities. Large family size often leads to lower per capita income within households, reducing access to education, nutrition, and health services. High dependency ratios, where a small working population supports a large number of dependents, further intensify poverty levels. Unemployment and underemployment constitute another major factor. Although India has made progress in economic growth, the growth has not always translated into sufficient employment opportunities, particularly in the formal sector. A large proportion of the workforce remains engaged in informal employment characterized by low wages, lack of job security, and absence of social protection. Seasonal unemployment in agriculture and disguised unemployment in rural areas contribute to persistent rural poverty. Youth unemployment is also a growing concern, as educated young people struggle to find suitable jobs. Agricultural stagnation and unequal land distribution significantly affect poverty in rural India. A considerable segment of the population depends on agriculture for livelihood. Small and marginal farmers often lack access to irrigation, modern technology, credit facilities, and markets. Fragmentation of land holdings reduces productivity