Question

Which institution's report identified Kerala as the state with the lowest level of multidimensional poverty in India in 2021?

• A. World Bank
• B. NITI Aayog
• C. International Monetary Fund
• D. Reserve Bank of India

Answer 1

Answer:

B. NITI Aayog

NITI Aayog's Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) Report 2021

• The NITI Aayog, a policy think tank of the Government of India, released a report in 2021 that identified the levels of multidimensional poverty across Indian states.

• This report ranked Kerala as the state with the lowest level of multidimensional poverty in India.

• Multidimensional poverty considers deprivations across health, education, and living standards, going beyond income-based poverty measures.

• Kerala's consistent performance in social development indicators, such as high literacy rates, access to healthcare, and improved sanitation, contributed to its low MPI score.

• Kerala is often cited as a prime example of the 'Kerala Model of Development', which emphasizes human development and social welfare alongside economic growth.

• Other states that performed well in reducing multidimensional poverty include Goa, Tamil Nadu, and Punjab.

• The MPI report serves as a crucial tool for policymakers to design targeted interventions and monitor progress in poverty reduction efforts.

• NITI Aayog's work in measuring and analyzing poverty is vital for understanding India's socio-economic landscape and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 1: No Poverty.