Full formGovernment & Exams
APLstands forAbove Poverty Line
Full Form of APL
What is APL?
APL stands for Above Poverty Line, a classification used by the Indian government to identify households whose income or consumption expenditure is above the officially determined poverty threshold. In India, this categorization is critical for the implementation of welfare schemes, particularly the Public Distribution System (PDS). Families holding APL ration cards receive food grains at subsidized rates but are not entitled to the highly concessional prices offered to Below Poverty Line (BPL) households. The APL classification is derived from data collected through the Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) and National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) surveys. It is used by state and central governments to target subsidies, manage quotas, and determine eligibility for various social welfare programmes. For competitive exams like UPSC, State PCS, and banking, understanding APL is essential for questions on poverty estimation, food security, and government schemes like the National Food Security Act (NFSA). The term is commonly encountered in economics and social development sections. While APL indicates a relatively better economic status, these families are still vulnerable and often need support during crises. The APL/BPL distinction remains a key policy tool despite debates over its accuracy in reflecting multidimensional poverty.
APL का फुल फॉर्म
गरीबी रेखा से ऊपर
Example
The APL category families were not given the additional free rations under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana.
APL — frequently asked questions
What is the full form of APL?
APL stands for Above Poverty Line, a classification used by the Indian government to identify households with income above the poverty threshold.
What is the difference between APL and BPL?
APL (Above Poverty Line) households have income above the poverty line and receive fewer subsidies, while BPL (Below Poverty Line) households are below the poverty line and get highly subsidized food grains under the Public Distribution System.
Is APL eligible for government subsidies?
Yes, APL families are eligible for subsidies, but at lower rates compared to BPL families. They can purchase food grains from PDS shops at prices that are still lower than market rates, but not as heavily subsidized as for BPL cardholders.