UNICEF Says India Making Strong Progress in Reducing Child Poverty, Highlights Impact of Flagship Schemes
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India has achieved remarkable progress in reducing poverty, especially among children, according to UNICEF’s flagship report — The State of the World’s Children 2025, released on Thursday. The UN agency praised India’s efforts, stating that its large-scale programmes and sustained investments are helping the country stay on track to achieve SDG 1.2 — reducing multidimensional poverty — ahead of the global 2030 target.
The report revealed that more than 400 million children in low- and middle-income countries are deprived in at least two essential areas such as education, nutrition, health, housing, clean water and sanitation. Despite global challenges, UNICEF noted that India has demonstrated consistent progress through targeted welfare schemes.
Cynthia McCaffrey, UNICEF India Representative, said:
“India has made significant progress in poverty reduction, and the flagship programmes have supported investments in children, steering India to be on track for SDG 1.2 ahead of the 2030 endline.”
UNICEF highlighted several impactful government initiatives that have converged at scale to improve children’s lives, including Poshan Abhiyaan, Samagra Shiksha, PM-KISAN, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Mid-Day Meal Scheme, Swachh Bharat Mission and Jal Jeevan Mission. India’s acclaimed digital infrastructure has also improved financial inclusion and welfare delivery.
India, now the world’s most populous nation, is home to approximately 460 million children under 18. According to NITI Aayog’s Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI), India helped 248 million people escape multidimensional poverty between 2013–14 and 2022–23, bringing down the national MPI rate from 29.2% to 11.3%.
The country has also expanded its social protection coverage significantly — from 19% in 2015 to 64.3% in 2025, reaching a staggering 940 million citizens. This rise, coupled with strong social-sector investments, has contributed to sustained improvement in child welfare indicators.
McCaffrey emphasised that India’s approach can serve as a global model.
“There is no greater return on investment than investing in children. India’s progress shows that accelerating effective programmes can help reach the last mile. Improving children’s wellbeing isn’t just about resources — it’s about collective will and leadership,” she said.
With continued commitment to nutrition, education, sanitation and financial inclusion, UNICEF believes India is well-positioned to strengthen its long-term child development goals and advance its Vision 2047 objectives.