According to the new measure called the Multi-dimensional Poverty Index (MPI) developed by UNDP acute poverty prevails in eight Indian states which includes Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. They account for more poor people than in the 26 poorest African nations combined.
The new measure called the Multidimensional Poverty Index was developed and applied by the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative with UNDP support. The measure reveals the nature and extent of poverty at different levels: from household up to regional, national and international level.
An analysis by its creators reveal that there are more than MPI poor people in 8 Indian states (421 million in Bihar, Chattisgarh, Jharkhand, MP, Orissa, Rajasthan, UP and West Bengal) than in the 26 poorest African countries combined (410 million).The MPI supplants the Human Poverty Index which had been included in the Annual Human Development Reports since 1997.
The MPI assesses a range of critical factors or deprivations at the household level from education to health outcomes to assets and services. Taken together these factors provide a fuller portrait of acute poverty than simple income measures.
Some alarming statistics:
1/3rd world’s poor is in India. It also has a higher proportion of its population living on less than $ 2 per day than even sub-Saharan Africa.
828 million people or 75.6% of the population is living below $2 a day.42% of the population is living below the new international poverty line.
33% of the global poor are Indians which equals to 14 billion people. Sub-Saharan Africa considered the world’s poorest region is better.
Nagaland, Delhi and J&K have the least number of poor.
41.8% of the rural population survive with monthly per capita consumption expenditure of Rs 447.
They spend only Rs 447 on essential necessities like food, fuel,light and clothing.
According to the Planning Commission’s recent estimates poverty in India came down from 35.97 % in 1993-94 to 27.54% in 2004-05.
Source: Hindustan Times
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