What Is Needed for a More Pro-Poor Growth Process in India?

A number of conditions determine how much India's poor share in economic growth. The extent to which growth stems from the rural economy, particularly agriculture, is the key. The gains to the poor from non-agricultural growth vary greatly between states, reflecting past attainments in human and physical resource development, especially in rural areas. The lesson for the future is clear: unless these conditions improve, don't expect rapid poverty reduction from growth-promoting economic reforms. There is, however, plenty that can be done now to change those conditions.