The Rangarajan Committee methodology for determining the poverty line incorporated which of the following? 1. A food component 2. A normative level of expenditure for essential non-food items 3. A behaviourally determined expenditure for other non-food items Select the answer using the code given below : (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1, 2 and 3 (d) 1 and 3 only

The Rangarajan Committee (2014) methodology for determining the poverty line was based on a comprehensive consumption basket consisting of three distinct components. First, it included a food component based on normative levels of nourishment, specifically calories, proteins, and fats [4]. Second, it incorporated a normative level of expenditure for essential non-food items, which included education, clothing, house rent, and conveyance [2]. Third, it accounted for a residual set of other non-food items through a behaviourally determined expenditure level [4]. Unlike the Tendulkar Committee, which moved away from calorie norms, the Rangarajan Committee returned to nutritional standards while also adopting the Modified Mixed Recall Period (MMRP) for data collection [2]. By combining these normative and behavioural elements, the committee aimed to reflect a more realistic minimum living standard, resulting in higher poverty lines compared to previous estimates [2].

Sources

1. [1] https://mse.ac.in/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Counting_the_Poor.pdf
2. [4] Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 3: Poverty, Inequality and Unemployment > ESTIMATES AS PER THE 61ST ROUND OF NSSO VERSUS TENDULKAR COMMITTEE ESTIMATES > p. 40
3. [2] https://pib.gov.in/newsite/printrelease.aspx?relid=108291