In a resounding victory over multidimensional poverty, a staggering 13.5 crore Indians have escaped its clutches between 2015-16 and 2019-21, heralding a new era of hope and progress. NITI Aayog's recently unveiled "National Multidimensional Poverty Index: A Progress Review 2023" has shed light on this extraordinary feat, which is nothing short of a transformative movement. The report, graced by esteemed dignitaries, unveiled the remarkable strides India has made in its relentless pursuit of prosperity for all.
The National Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) takes into account various dimensions of well-being, such as health, education, and standard of living, and encompasses twelve SDG-aligned indicators. This multidimensional approach paints a vivid picture of the country's progress in alleviating poverty across multiple fronts. The MPI's latest findings showcase a substantial reduction of 9.89 percentage points in the number of multidimensionally poor, plunging from 24.85% in 2015-16 to an inspiring 14.96% in 2019-21. This triumphant journey to escape the clutches of poverty was led by rural areas, where poverty rates plummeted from 32.59% to an impressive 19.28%. Urban regions also experienced an improvement, witnessing a decline from 8.65% to 5.27%.
Uttar Pradesh, the most populous state in India, emerged as a shining example of progress, registering the highest decline in the number of poor, with a remarkable 3.43 crore individuals breaking free from multidimensional poverty. Bihar and Madhya Pradesh closely followed, showcasing the power of collective efforts in uplifting communities.
The journey towards eradicating multidimensional poverty has been propelled by a strategic focus on holistic development and the determination to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Target 1.2, way before the 2030 deadline. The MPI value, which represents the intensity of poverty, has nearly halved from 0.117 to 0.066 during the said period, a testament to the government's unwavering commitment to a brighter and equitable future for all.
India's crusade against poverty has borne fruit through a series of successful initiatives, each contributing to different facets of development. Access to sanitation, nutrition, cooking fuel, financial inclusion, drinking water, and electricity has witnessed substantial improvements. Notably, all twelve parameters of the MPI have showcased marked progress. Flagship programs like Poshan Abhiyan and Anaemia Mukt Bharat have revolutionized health outcomes, while Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) and Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) have ushered in a sanitation revolution. Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) has breathed new life into the lives of millions through subsidized cooking fuel.
Furthermore, Saubhagya, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), and Samagra Shiksha have acted as catalysts for significant reductions in multidimensional poverty. The resounding success of these initiatives can be witnessed through remarkably low deprivation rates in critical areas like electricity, access to bank accounts, and drinking water.
This spectacular reduction in multidimensional poverty underscores India's unwavering dedication to creating an inclusive society, where no one is left behind. The concerted efforts and the synchronized implementation of various schemes have been instrumental in weaving a tapestry of progress, with each thread contributing to the transformation of lives.
