A recent report by the NITI Aayog has revealed substantial progress in reducing multidimensional poverty in India, with Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh witnessing the most significant improvements. The findings, published in the NITI Aayog’s Discussion Paper titled “Multidimensional Poverty in India since 2005-’06,” highlight the positive impact on health, education, and living standards.
Multidimensional poverty, a measure encompassing health, education, and standard of living, has seen a remarkable decline from 29.17% in 2013-14 to 11.28% in 2022-23, indicating that approximately 24.82 crore individuals have moved out of this category during the specified period.
Uttar Pradesh leads the states with the most substantial reduction, witnessing 5.94 crore people escaping multidimensional poverty over the last nine years. Bihar follows with 3.77 crore, Madhya Pradesh with 2.30 crore, and Rajasthan with 1.87 crore.
The pace of decline in the poverty headcount ratio, utilizing the exponential method, was notably faster between 2015-16 to 2019-21, boasting a 10.66% annual rate of decline compared to 2005-06 to 2015-16, which saw a 7.69% annual rate of decline.
According to the NITI Aayog, all 12 indicators of the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) have recorded significant improvement during the entire study period. The assessment for the year 2013-14 against the current scenario (2022-23) utilized projected estimates due to data limitations for these specific periods.
The NITI Aayog attributes this achievement to the government’s persistent dedication and resolute commitment to addressing all dimensions of poverty between 2013-14 and 2022-23. It highlights initiatives such as Poshan Abhiyan and Anemia Mukt Bharat, which have significantly enhanced access to healthcare facilities, leading to a substantial decrease in deprivation.
The report suggests that India is on track to achieve its Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of halving multidimensional poverty before 2030, showcasing the government’s commitment through initiatives like the Targeted Public Distribution System and the extension of free food grain distribution under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana.
Discover more from The Doon Mozaic
Subscribe to get the latest posts to your email.
