Poverty, Multidimensional Deprivation and Economic Vulnerability among the Meitei-Pangal Community

Abstract

Abstract The Meitei-Pangals, commonly known as Manipuri Muslims, constitute a historically rooted minority community of Manipur. Despite their long association with the social, cultural and economic life of the state, a considerable section of the community continues to experience livelihood insecurity, limited asset ownership, inadequate housing and restricted access to essential services. This article examines poverty, multidimensional deprivation and economic vulnerability through a descriptive and analytical review of household-level secondary evidence. The principal sources include the Report on Socio-Economic Survey of Meitei-Pangals (Manipuri Muslims), 2004, Census of India 2011, District Census Handbooks, government reports and relevant academic studies. Poverty is examined beyond monetary income by considering livelihood stability, employment, landholding, productive assets, housing, water, sanitation, electricity, education, healthcare and financial protection. Available evidence suggests that dependence on cultivation, casual labour, petty trade and informal self-employment exposes many households to seasonal income fluctuations. Small or fragmented landholdings, limited savings, inadequate productive assets and weak formal-sector participation further reduce household resilience. Women, landless workers, informal labourers, school dropouts and households with high dependency burdens appear particularly vulnerable. The article recommends an updated household survey, multidimensional poverty mapping, market-linked skill development, livelihood diversification, financial inclusion, improved infrastructure and gender-responsive social protection.