The first Multi-Dimensional Poverty Index (MPI) report released by NITI Aayog, while giving details of the situation in different states, also provides a new and better criterion for policy makers. According to this report, it is not surprising in itself if Bihar tops the list of poor states with 51.9 percent poor population and Kerala with 0.71 percent poor population at the bottom. If we look at some other states above and below, Jharkhand, UP and Madhya Pradesh stand with Bihar as expected, while Goa, Sikkim and Tamil Nadu with Kerala. It is clear that some states have achieved remarkable success in providing essential facilities to the common people and raising their standard of living, while some other states are far behind in this matter. But we do not get a precise idea of ​​this from the figures of capital investment or per capita income. That is why there is a need for such special standards, which know that how and how much effect the schemes and policies launched and run by different governments are having on the ground, what kind of changes will be brought in the lives of common citizens. are.

In this context, this Multi Dimensional Index Report of NITI Aayog assumes significance. However, the data required for this has been taken from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) report 2015-16 and in this sense, they present the details of the situation five years ago. But its real importance lies in its methodology. The MPI assesses the situation on the basis of three factors of equal importance – health, education and standard of living – and uses 12 indicators. This is definitely different from the traditional method of measuring poverty on the basis of mere poverty line. This is in line with the Global Framework for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by 193 countries in 2015. As far as the progress made during the last five years is concerned, as the NITI Aayog says, after the release of all the data of the latest NFHS survey, that too will be covered in the second MPI report to be prepared on its basis, but the real The challenge is for the Central and State Governments to move forward by sticking to this criteria provided by NITI Aayog in their policies, schemes and programs. Whether it is a matter of increasing capital investment in the country or accelerating the pace of GDP, the ultimate achievement of all this is that how many facilities have reached the lives of the common people of the country, how much quality has been achieved in it. That is why it is also necessary that the process of tightening the achievements of the government on such standards should not be allowed to stop for any reason.

Source : Navbharat Times