How many people in South Asia still have not achieved middle-class status?

The number of people in South Asia who have not yet achieved middle-class status is estimated to be around 1.3 billion. This represents approximately 40% of the total population of the region. The middle class in South Asia is typically defined as those who have a household income of between $2 and $10 per day. This group includes professionals, small business owners, and skilled workers.