Poverty in India is widespread with the nation estimated to have a third of the world's poor, According to the criterion used by the Planning Commission of India 27.5 percent of the population was living below the poverty line in 2004-2005, down from 51.3 percent in 1977-1978, and 36 percent in-1991-1994. Since, the. 1950s, the Indian government and non-governmental organizations have initiated several programs to alleviate poverty, including subsidizing food and other necessities, increased access to loans, improving agricultural techniques and price supports, and promoting education and family planning. Although the Indian economy has grown steadily over the last two decades, its growth has been uneven when comparing different social groups, economic groups, geographic regions, and rural and urban areas.