Question

Poverty has been defined on the basis of recommended nutritional requirements of ____________ calories per person per day for rural areas and ____________ calories per person per day in urban areas.

• A. 2,100; 2,400
• B. 2,400; 2,100
• C. 2,700; 2,400
• D. 2,500; 2,300

Hint:

Remember that the calorie requirement for rural areas is higher than for urban areas due to the higher level of physical activity. This simple logic can help you select the correct option (2400>2100).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
In India, one of the early methods for defining the poverty line was based on the minimum calorie intake required for subsistence. The Planning Commission adopted this methodology based on the recommendations of the Y. K. Alagh Committee in 1979.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The committee differentiated the calorie requirement for rural and urban populations based on the nature of work.


Rural Areas: People in rural areas are often engaged in more physically intensive labor (like farming). Therefore, a higher calorie intake was recommended. The figure was set at 2,400 calories per person per day.
Urban Areas: People in urban areas generally have more sedentary lifestyles with less physical labor. Hence, a lower calorie intake was recommended. The figure was set at 2,100 calories per person per day.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The recommended nutritional requirements are 2,400 calories for rural areas and 2,100 calories for urban areas.