The three dimensions of the government's approach to the poverty reduction in India are:

1. The growth-oriented approach based on the expectation that effects of economic growth (by way of rapid increase in GDP and PCI) would spread to all sections and world.

Spread to all sections of the society, and trickle down to the poorer sections also. But the fact is population growth led to a very low growth in per capita income (PCI). The gap between the rich and the poor further widened. The Green Revolution augmented disparities between regions and large and small farmers.

2. Specific poverty alleviation programmes were implemented, in order to raise the incomes and employment for the poor through the creation of additional assets and work generation. Selfemployment programmes like Rural Employment Generation Programme (REGP) and Prime Minister Rozgar Yojana (PMRY) where implemented. Swarna Jayanti Shahari Rozgar Yojana (SJSRY) mainly aimed at creating employment opportunities for self-employment and wage employment in the urban areas.
3. To meet the basic and minimum needs of the poor by providing minimum basic amenities. Three major programmes to improve the food and nutritional status of the poor were started by way of:

• Public Distribution System.
• Integrated Child Development Scheme.
• Mid-day Meal Scheme.

Additionally, the government also launched a number of other social security programmes like National Social Assistance Progarmme especially for elderly poor and women who are desitutes or widows.