MULTIDIMENSIONAL POVERTY INDEX (MPI)
1. Context
On the country’s 77th Independence Day, from the ramparts of the historic Red Fort in Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that in the last five years, from 2015-16 to 2019-21, his government lifted 135 million people out of poverty. This is a commendable achievement based on the Multi-dimensional Poverty Index (MDPI) prepared by the NITI Aayog
2. About Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI)
The Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) is a comprehensive measure of poverty that goes beyond income-based measures to consider multiple dimensions of deprivation that people experience simultaneously.
It was developed by the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The MPI provides a more holistic understanding of poverty by capturing various aspects of people's well-being and living conditions.
2.1. MPI calculation
The MPI is calculated for countries, regions, and subnational areas. It is based on 10 indicators
which are grouped into three dimensions:
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Health: This dimension includes indicators such as child mortality and nutrition. It measures whether households have access to proper healthcare and nutrition, ensuring the physical well-being of individuals.
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Education: Education-related indicators like years of schooling and school attendance are considered in this dimension. It evaluates whether individuals have access to quality education and opportunities for human capital development.
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Standard of Living: This dimension assesses living conditions by looking at indicators like access to clean water, sanitation, cooking fuel, electricity, and housing quality. It reflects the overall living environment of individuals and households.
3. 'Malnutrition' by WHO
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines malnutrition as deficiencies, excesses or imbalances in a person's intake of energy and/or nutrients. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including poverty, poor access to food, inadequate care, and disease
Malnutrition in children can manifest in four different ways:
- Wasting: This is when a child's weight-for-height is below the standard for their age. It is a sign of acute undernutrition, and it can be caused by a recent illness or a lack of food.
- Stunting: This is when a child's height-for-age is below the standard for their age. It is a sign of chronic undernutrition, and it can be caused by a long-term lack of food or by repeated infections
4. Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS)
The Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme is a government program in India that provides early childhood care, education, and nutrition to children under the age of 6 years. It is one of the largest and most successful social welfare programs in India.
The ICDS Scheme was launched in 1975 by the Ministry of Women and Child Development. It is implemented by the state governments and union territories. The scheme covers all districts of the country
The ICDS Scheme provides a package of six services to children under the age of 6 years:
- Supplementary feeding: Children are provided with a hot meal every day.
- Immunization: Children are vaccinated against common childhood diseases.
- Health check-up: Children are screened for malnutrition and other health problems.
- Referral services: Children with serious health problems are referred to hospitals for treatment.
- Non-formal education: Children are provided with non-formal education.
- Early childhood care: Children are provided with a safe and stimulating environment to learn and grow
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For Prelims: Malnutrition, Stunting Multidimensional Poverty Index, NITI Aayog
For Mains: 1.Malnutrition remains a persistent challenge in many developing countries, including India. Analyze the causes and consequences of malnutrition, and discuss the policy measures and strategies that can effectively address this issue
2.Malnutrition affects various segments of the population, from children to adults. Discuss the specific causes and consequences of child malnutrition, and evaluate the impact of early childhood nutrition interventions in breaking the cycle of intergenerational malnutrition
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Previous year Questions
1.Which of the following are the Objectives of 'National Nutrition Mission'? (UPSC CSE 2017)
1. To Create Awareness relating to malnutrition among pregnant women and lactating mothers
2. To reduce the incidence of anaemia among young children, adolscent girls, and women
3.To promote the Consumption of millets, coarse cereals, and unpolished rice
4. To promote the consumption of poultry eggs
Select the correct answer using the code given below
A. 1 and 2 Only
B.1, 2 and 3
C. 1, 2 and 4
D. 3 and 4
Answer (A)
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Source: indianexpress
