Introduction:
Poverty is no longer viewed merely as the absence of income but as the deprivation of multiple capabilities essential for a life of dignity. Reflecting this shift, the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) measures poverty across dimensions such as health, education, and living standards, making it a more comprehensive indicator of social justice.
Body:
Why Poverty is Increasingly Multidimensional
Educational Deprivation: Limited access to quality education perpetuates intergenerational poverty and restricts upward mobility.
Example: NEP 2020 and Samagra Shiksha seek to improve educational outcomes.
Health Inequalities: Poor health, malnutrition, and inadequate healthcare reduce productivity and deepen poverty.
Example: Ayushman Bharat–PM-JAY and Poshan Abhiyaan address health and nutrition deficits.
Poor Living Standards: Lack of housing, sanitation, clean drinking water, and electricity significantly affects quality of life.
Example: PM Awas Yojana, Jal Jeevan Mission, and Swachh Bharat Mission.
Financial and Digital Exclusion: Limited access to banking, credit, insurance, and digital services constrains economic opportunities.
Example: PM Jan Dhan Yojana and the JAM Trinity have expanded financial inclusion.
Employment Insecurity: Informal employment, underemployment, and absence of social security make households vulnerable to economic shocks.
Example: MGNREGA provides livelihood security in rural areas.
Social Exclusion: Discrimination based on caste, gender, disability, or geography compounds economic deprivation.
Example: Constitutional safeguards under Articles 15, 16, and 46 seek to protect disadvantaged groups.
Measures to Address Multidimensional Poverty
Strengthen Human Capital: Improve investments in quality education, healthcare, and nutrition.
Example: Mission Poshan 2.0 and National Education Policy, 2020.
Promote Inclusive Livelihoods: Enhance skill development, employment generation, and entrepreneurship opportunities.
Example: Skill India Mission and DAY-NRLM.
Expand Social Protection: Ensure universal and targeted coverage of food, health, and pension schemes.
Example: National Food Security Act, 2013 and Ayushman Bharat.
Improve Basic Infrastructure: Universal access to housing, sanitation, drinking water, electricity, and digital connectivity.
Example: PM Gati Shakti and Jal Jeevan Mission.
Leverage Data-Driven Governance: Use multidimensional indicators for better targeting and monitoring of welfare programmes.
Example: NITI Aayog’s National Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI).
Strengthen Cooperative Federalism: Effective Centre-State coordination is essential for last-mile delivery of welfare schemes.
Example: Aspirational Districts Programme focuses on improving socio-economic indicators in backward districts.
Conclusion:
Addressing poverty requires moving beyond income-centric approaches to tackle deprivations in health, education, livelihoods, and living standards. A multidimensional strategy, supported by inclusive governance and targeted welfare interventions, is essential to realize the constitutional vision of social justice and equitable development.