India the largest democracy currently remains the fastest-growing economy and serves as a beacon of hope for global growth. Currently, the world’s fifth-largest economy in terms of GDP, India aspires to reach high middle-income status by 2047, the centenary of Indian independence.

The economic growth witnessed over the past two decades has significantly contributed to reducing extreme poverty. Between 2011 and 2019, the country is estimated to have halved the share of the population living in extreme poverty - below $2.15 per person per day (2017 PPP) (World Bank Poverty and Inequality Portal and Macro Poverty Outlook, Spring 2023). However, post-pandemic, the pace of poverty reduction has slowed down with a moderate pick-up visible in the last two years.

Despite impressive economic strides, significant disparities persist across the country, particularly in terms of human development indicators. Poverty remains concentrated in specific regions, and a pronounced rural-urban divide exacerbates inequalities. Consumption inequality has also persisted, with the Gini index hovering around 35 for the past two decades. Child malnutrition is alarmingly high, with 35.5% of children under five being stunted, and the rate rises to 67% for children aged 6-59 months. Although headline employment indicators have improved since 2020, the low participation of women in the labour force remains a concern, along with ongoing gender disparities.

As India is poised to become the world’s third-largest economy, a substantial proportion of poor households are expected to rise above the poverty line in the coming years.

In this context of rapid economic growth and complex development challenges, RAF Global has been working across a wide array of development issues in Jharkhand, Bihar, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra since 2015. For nearly a decade, RAF Global has been a dedicated partner in supporting India’s development goals, striving to ensure the long-term well-being of the most marginalised communities.