Extreme poverty, measured by the international threshold of $2.15 per day, is forecast to rise to 9.3 percent, pushing another 30 lakh into extreme poverty.

The report shows that extreme poverty increased from 5.5 percent in 2023 to 7.7 percent in 2024.

It also said that inequality is likely to worsen, with the Gini index -- used to measure income disparity -- rising from 35.5 to 36.1.

The World Bank attributed this trend to persistent inflation and job losses, which have hit low-income families the hardest.

"Vulnerable populations are likely to face worsening social and economic disparities due to the ongoing economic slowdown," the report added.

In addition to rice, the government also distributed essential food items such as eggs, lentils, soybean oil, and vegetables through the TCB in the current fiscal year.