Correct Option
The correct option is (a).
Explanation
The National Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI), released by NITI Aayog, assesses poverty across three dimensions: Health, Education, and Standard of Living. The 'Assets' indicator falls under the Standard of Living dimension and carries a weight of 1/21 in the overall index. It measures household prosperity based on the ownership of specific consumer goods.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Correct: According to the National MPI methodology (aligned with the Global MPI), a household is considered deprived in assets if it does not own a car or truck AND does not own more than one of the following small assets: Radio, TV, Telephone, Computer, Animal Cart, Bicycle, Motorbike, or Refrigerator. Therefore, if a household has no car/truck and owns zero or only one of the listed small assets, it is classified as deprived.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: Ownership of a mobile phone (telephone) counts as owning one small asset. Since the deprivation criteria apply to households owning zero or only one small asset (in the absence of a car/truck), owning a mobile phone alone places the household in the deprived category. To be non-deprived, the household would need to own at least two small assets (e.g., a phone and a bicycle).
- Statement 3 is Incorrect: Owning a car or truck is a primary determinant in the calculation. If a household owns a car or truck, it is automatically considered non-deprived in the assets indicator, regardless of whether it owns other small assets. Thus, car ownership is explicitly considered.
Key Takeaway: To be considered non-deprived in the 'Assets' indicator of the National MPI, a household must own a car or truck, OR it must own more than one of the specified small assets (Radio, TV, Telephone, Computer, Animal Cart, Bicycle, Motorbike, Refrigerator).