India is witnessing the rise of middle class which has led to the decline in the poverty levels. About one-third of the population is estimated to have entered the middle class. In addition, the Union Budget has announced a major relief for the middle class in the country by reducing the direct tax rates.

The efforts of the government to increase the well-being of the middle class and reduce poverty can be compiled through the 4S framework: Sampannata, Surakshit, Bhavishya, Shreshtha Jeevan and Saralta.

1. Sampannata (Enrichment) - Can be attained by controlling situations of inflation and promoting greater liquidity in the economy for better economic growth which will lead to lower EMIs. The result of declined loan rates would be that the middle class will find it easier to afford cars, houses and can pursue educational loans for their children. Through PM Mudra Yojana, many middle class persons received as collateral- free loans. This will lead to the strengthening of the banking system enabling the increase in GNP.
2. Surakshit Bhavishya (Securing a healthy future) - Through affordable health care and education. The example such as 'Ayushman Bharat'. For educational purposes, some 353 universities have been opened in the last nine years. 15 new AIIMS have been opened and 261 new medical colleges have been opened across the country for studies at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Issues such as out-of-pocket medical expenditures have also been targeted. Steps are being taken to provide cheaper generic medicines.
3. Shreshtha Jeevan (A better life) - Transports which are considered to be the lifelines of the national economy must also be improved. Simultaneous development of the roads and railways connectivity is being established. National highways and bridges are also being constructed. India now has metro connectivity in some 20 cities of India. India has the third largest metro network globally. India has the highest mobile data consumption rate around the world. India is set to receive 5G connectivity within a year. This will give a big boost to online education, tele medicine, and effective digital marketing. Millions have been spent on improving the housing patterns, transportation and tap water connections, and waste management. Power-supply is under regular maintenance these years.
4. Saralta (Hassle-free existence) - A cashless economy based on digital transactions and paperless certificate authentication with DigiLocker. Digitalisation has been facilitated by the government and embraced by the middle-class well.

Way Forward:

Poverty continues to be a multi-dimensional problem in the country. Still with persistent efforts from the government's end has acknowledged in curbing the poverty challenges. It provides an alternative development model to the world. 

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