The correct option is (c) 1 and 3 only.
Explanation
The data regarding the decline in poverty is based on the National Multidimensional Poverty Index: A Progress Review 2023 released by NITI Aayog. This index utilizes data from the National Family Health Surveys (NFHS-4 for 2015-16 and NFHS-5 for 2019-21) to estimate multidimensional poverty across health, education, and standard of living indicators.
Statement 1 is Correct:
According to the report, India’s multidimensional poverty has significantly declined. The proportion of the multidimensional poor reduced from 24.85% in 2015-16 to 14.96% in 2019-21. This represents a decline of nearly 10 percentage points (rounded to a decline from 25% to 15%).
Statement 2 is Incorrect:
The decline in poverty was sharper in rural areas compared to urban areas. The poverty headcount ratio in rural areas dropped from 32.59% to 19.28%, whereas in urban areas, it reduced from 8.65% to 5.27%. Consequently, the reduction in deprivation was more pronounced in the rural sector, contributing significantly to the overall national decline.
Statement 3 is Correct:
The report estimates that approximately 13.5 crore (135 million) people escaped multidimensional poverty between the period of 2015-16 and 2019-21. This massive exit from poverty highlights the impact of various government welfare schemes aimed at sanitation, nutrition, cooking fuel, and financial inclusion.
Key Takeaway:
India witnessed a steep decline in the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) value from 0.117 to 0.066 between 2015-16 and 2019-21, driven primarily by rapid improvements in rural areas and significant reductions in standard-of-living deprivations.