GS Paper I & II

News Excerpt:

According to a discussion paper released by NITI Aayog , the share of India’s population living in multidimensional poverty is estimated to have fallen.

Highlights of the report:

•  In absolute numbers, NITI Aayog estimates a total of 24.82 crore people escaped multidimensional poverty in the last nine years.
• According to the Discussion Paper, India has registered a significant decline in multidimensional poverty in India from 29.17% in 2013-14 to 11.28% in 2022-23 i.e. a reduction of 17.89 % points.

• Uttar Pradesh registered the largest decline in the number of poor with 5.94 crore people escaping multidimensional poverty during the last nine years followed by Bihar at 3.77 crore, Madhya Pradesh at 2.30 crore and Rajasthan at 1.87 crore. 
• According to the estimated share of MPI (Multidimensional Poverty Index) poor in 2013-14 and 2022-23, Bihar recorded a 53 % drop from 56.3 % share of MPI poor in 2013-14 to 26.59 % in 2022-23.
• In 2005-06, the share of MPI poor in India’s total population was 55.34 %. The discussion paper, which uses previously released MPI data based on National Family Health Surveys (NFHS) conducted in 2015-15 and 2019-21, also uses NFHS-3 data from 2005-06 to understand long-term poverty trends.
• As a result, India is likely to achieve its multiple SDG targets of halving multidimensional poverty well before 2030.

Reasons behind declining multidimensional poverty:

•  Initiatives like Poshan Abhiyan and Anemia Mukt Bharat have significantly enhanced access to healthcare facilities, leading to a substantial decrease in deprivation.
• Operating one of the world's largest food security programs, the Targeted Public Distribution System under the National Food Security Act covers 81.35 crore beneficiaries, providing food grains to rural and urban populations.
•  Recent decisions, such as extending free food grain distribution under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana for another five years, exemplify Government's commitment.
• Various programs addressing maternal health, clean cooking fuel distribution through Ujjwala Yojana, improved electricity coverage via Saubhagya, and transformative campaigns like Swachh Bharat Mission and Jal Jeevan Mission have collectively elevated living conditions and overall well-being of people.
• Additionally, flagship programs like Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana and PM Awas Yojana have played pivotal roles in financial inclusion and providing safe housing for the underprivileged.

Conclusion:

India's substantial reduction in the Poverty Headcount Ratio reflects transformative government initiatives. Notable improvements in all 12 MPI indicators showcase holistic progress, positioning India to achieve SDG targets well before 2030. The commitment to comprehensive development is fostering positive change nationwide.

Mains PYQ

Q. “The incidence and intensity of poverty are more important in determining poverty based on income alone”. In this context analyse the latest United Nations Multidimensional Poverty Index Report.( UPSC 2020)