Correct Option
The correct option is 2 and 3 only.
Explanation
The Human Poverty Index (HPI) was introduced by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in its 1997 Human Development Report. It was designed to measure deprivation in the three basic dimensions of human development-longevity, knowledge, and a decent standard of living-complementing the Human Development Index (HDI).
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Incorrect: The HPI is generally considered more revealing than the HDI regarding the distribution of development. While the HDI measures average achievements in a country, averages can conceal wide disparities. The HPI focuses specifically on the most deprived sections of society and the backlog of progress, offering a clearer picture of those left behind.
- Statement 2 is Correct: The HPI defines poverty not merely as a lack of income, but as a shortfall in human capabilities. It assesses the denial of opportunities and choices most basic to human development, such as leading a long, healthy life and being educated.
- Statement 3 is Correct: For developing countries (HPI-1), the dimension of "a decent standard of living" is measured by an unweighted average of two indicators: the percentage of the population without sustainable access to an improved water source and the percentage of children underweight for their age.
Key Takeaway
Key Takeaway: The HPI measures deprivation in the same dimensions as the HDI (health, education, standard of living) but focuses on the shortfall rather than the average. In 2010, the UNDP replaced the HPI with the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI).