Over 20 pc of population in Nepal below poverty line: NSO

KATHMANDU: National Statistics Office (NSO) has reported that 20.27% of the population in Nepal still lives below the poverty line. 

The Nepal Living Standard Survey (NLSS) 2079-80, released on Monday, revealed that the country's poverty rate has not decreased as anticipated due to the Gorkha Earthquake of 2015 and the Covid 19 pandemic.

According to the report, the intensity of poverty is higher in rural areas compared to urban areas, with the poverty rate in cities standing at 18.34%, while it is 24.66% in rural areas. During the programme, National Planning Commission Vice-Chairman Min Bahadur Shrestha argued that the country's progress in poverty alleviation has been hindered due to the Covid 19 pandemic, natural disasters, and other factors.

The survey indicates that four provinces have a higher poverty rate than the national average. Sudurpaschim Province has the highest poverty rate at 34.16%, followed by Karnali Province at 26.69%, Lumbini Province at 24.35%, and Madhes Province at 22.53%.

Gandaki has the lowest poverty rate at 11.88%, followed by Bagmati at 12.59% and Koshi Province at 17.19%.