Niti Aayog Report: 13.5 Crore Indians Got Out Of Multidimensional Poverty In Five Years

India has seen a remarkable improvement in reducing multidimensional poverty, with 13.5 crore people moving out of poverty between 2015-16 and 2019-21.

The states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Rajasthan have experienced the fastest reduction, according to a report by Niti Aayog released on Monday (17 July).

The report, titled 'National Multidimensional Poverty Index: A Progress of Review 2023,' was unveiled by Suman Bery, Vice-Chairman of Niti Aayog.

The report highlights that India has made significant progress in reducing multidimensional poverty, with a decline of 9.89 percentage points. The section of India's population living in multidimensional poverty decreased from 24.85 per cent in 2015-16 to 14.96 per cent in 2019-21.

The National Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) assesses deprivation in three key areas of health, education, and standard of living. These dimensions are measured using 12 sustainable development goal (SDG)-aligned indicators, each given equal weight.

According to the report, poverty rates in rural areas have declined at a faster pace, dropping from 32.59 per cent to 19.28 per cent. Urban areas saw a reduction in poverty from 8.65 per cent to 5.27 per cent.

The report provides multidimensional poverty estimates for all 36 states and Union territories, as well as 707 administrative districts. It highlights that Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Rajasthan have experienced the most significant reductions in the proportion of multidimensional poverty.

Over the course of five years, India's MPI value has been cut in half, decreasing from 0.117 to 0.066. Additionally, the intensity of poverty has decreased from 47 per cent to 44 per cent.

These achievements put India on track to achieve SDG target 1.2, which aims to reduce multidimensional poverty by at least half, well ahead of the designated timeline of 2030.

According to Niti Aayog, the government's dedicated efforts to enhance access to sanitation, nutrition, cooking fuel, financial inclusion, drinking water, and electricity have resulted in significant progress in these areas.

Furthermore, the report highlights the significant role played by improvements in nutrition, years of schooling, sanitation, and cooking fuel in reducing poverty.