The newly-published Planning Commission report claiming an impressive decline in the number of the poor in India evoked severe criticism from the Opposition leaders as well as some social activists.

The report said that the percentage of people living below the poverty line in India dropped to a record low of 22 per cent in FY2011-12, from 37 per cent in FY2004-05. However, the cause of the controversy is the Planning Commission's assertion that anyone who spends more than Rs 27.20 a day in rural areas and Rs 33.33 a day in urban areas is living above the poverty line.

While Congress spokesman Raj Babbar supported the report, saying it is possible to have full for just Rs 12 in Mumbai even today; the BJP criticized the statement, describing it as "laughable".

Escalating the debate, Congress leader Rasheed Masood said one can enjoy a meal for just Rs 5 near Jama Masjid in Delhi.

Pronab Sen, chairman of National Statistical Commission, stressed that it must be kept in mind that the poverty line represents the minimum level of consumption and not how many people are living below the line.

Speaking on the topic, Sen said, "We can endlessly debate the issue of poverty line. The important issue is not how many people are below this poverty line, but whether poverty is declining over a period of time or not."

Meanwhile the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has raised doubts on the authenticity of the Planning commission's method of calculating poverty rate. The party alleged that the report was influenced by political motives of Congress, which, ahead of net year's elections, wants to show that its measures to reduce poverty are working.