Question

How calories norms are fixed for average rural person in India?

Answer 1

1. Calorie norms are based on the minimum energy requirements measured in calories, which represent the energy value of food consumed.
2. For rural India, an average daily calorie intake of 2400 calories per person is fixed.
3. This higher norm in rural areas is because rural people generally engage in more hard physical labour, requiring more energy.
4. The calorie norms are calculated by assessing the monthly per capita expenditure (MPCE) needed to meet these calorie requirements.
5. The poverty line is defined as the expenditure needed to meet this minimum calorie norm plus essential non-food expenses.
6. Surveys like those conducted by the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) estimate these norms and update them periodically considering price changes.
7. The norm ensures the rural poor have sufficient energy intake for physical work and survival needs.