The correct option is (c) 2 and 3 only.
Explanation
The National Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI), released by NITI Aayog, assesses poverty based on three dimensions: Health, Education, and Standard of Living. The Drinking Water indicator falls under the Standard of Living dimension. It follows the methodology used in the global MPI and aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Incorrect. A household is not deprived solely based on the lack of bottled water. A household is considered to have access to safe drinking water if the source is piped water, a public tap, a borehole, a protected dug well, or a protected spring. Bottled water is considered a safe source only if the household also has access to a safe water source for other domestic uses (like cooking and handwashing). If a household has piped water but no bottled water, it is not deprived.
- Statement 2 is Correct. According to the National MPI methodology, a household is considered deprived if safe drinking water is more than a 30-minute walk from home (round trip). This time criterion is crucial for determining accessibility.
- Statement 3 is Correct. A household is considered deprived if its primary source of drinking water is unprotected (e.g., an unprotected dug well, unprotected spring, or surface water like a river or dam). Access to "safe" water specifically excludes these unprotected sources.
Key Takeaway
Under the National MPI, deprivation in Drinking Water occurs if a household lacks access to an improved source (piped, protected well, etc.) or if the improved source requires more than a 30-minute round trip to access.