UPSC Prelims 2026 · Question 65 of 96
UPSC Prelims 2026 question on Multidimensional Poverty Index
- ExamUPSC CSE
- Year2026
- PaperGeneral Studies Paper I
- SubjectIndian Economy
- TopicImportant Indexes and Reports
- DifficultyMedium
- TypeStatement
Consider the following statements about Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI):
1. MPI is calculated using Alkire-Foster methodology.
2. MPI calculated by NITI Aayog has a total of twelve indicators.
3. Maternal Health and Bank Account are common indicators in the MPI of NITI Aayog and MPI of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Answer: A. 1 and 2 only
Verdict
Statements 1 and 2 are correct, so the answer is Option (a).
Analysis
The Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) is computed using the Alkire-Foster methodology, developed by Sabina Alkire and James Foster at the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative.
NITI Aayog's National MPI uses 12 indicators under three dimensions - Health, Education, and Standard of Living. Although it broadly follows the structure of the Global MPI, it incorporates modifications tailored to India's context. The Global MPI, published jointly by the United Nations Development Programme and the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative, employs 10 indicators across the same three dimensions.
Statement by statement
Statement 1 is correct: Both the Global MPI (UNDP-OPHI) and NITI Aayog's National MPI use the Alkire-Foster approach for identifying and measuring multidimensional poverty.
Statement 2 is correct: NITI Aayog's National MPI includes 12 indicators distributed across Health, Education, and Standard of Living, exceeding the 10 indicators used in the Global MPI.
Statement 3 is incorrect: The Bank Account indicator is unique to NITI Aayog's framework and is not included in the Global MPI. Similarly, Maternal Health (ANC) is specific to NITI Aayog's methodology and is absent from the UNDP framework, which instead incorporates Nutrition measures. These indicators are therefore not shared by both frameworks.