The current anti-poverty strategy of the government is based broadly on two planks (a) promotion of economic growth (b) targeted anti - poverty programmes.

It is also based on many schemes and programmes. Some of them have been mentioned below:

(1) promotion of economic growth:

(a) India's economic growth gained momentum and since the 1980’s has been one of the fastest in the world.   

(b) The growth rate jumped from the average of about 3.5% a year in 1970's to 6% during the 1980's and 1990's.   

(c) The higher growth rates have helped significantly in the reduction of poverty.   

(d) It is becoming clear that there is a strong link between economic growth and poverty reduction.   

(e) Economic growth widens opportunities and provides resources to invest in human development. 

(2) targeted anti - poverty programmes:

(i) National Food for work programme (NEWP) - This programme was launched in 2004 in 150 most backward districts of country. The programme is open to all rural poor who are in need of wage employment and desire to do manual unskilled work.

(ii) Prime Minister Rozgar Yozana (PMRY) - This scheme was started in 1993. It aims at creating self-employment opportunities for educated unemployed youth in rural areas and small towns.

(iii) Rural Employment Generation Programme (REGP) - It was launched in 1995. It aims at creating self-employment opportunities in rural areas and small towns.