The correct option is (a).
Explanation
The National Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI), released by NITI Aayog, measures poverty across three equally weighted dimensions: Health, Education, and Standard of Living. While the Global MPI uses 10 indicators, the National MPI includes 12 indicators, having added Maternal Health and Bank Accounts to better reflect Indian contexts.
Statement-wise Analysis:
- Statement 1 is Correct: The Maternal Health indicator specifically assesses women who have had a live birth in the 5 years preceding the survey. This aligns with the reference period used in the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) data.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: A household is considered deprived in this indicator if any woman who has given birth in the last 5 years has not received at least 4 antenatal care visits OR has not received assistance from skilled health personnel (such as a doctor, nurse, LHV, or ANM) during the most recent birth. Receiving assistance from a doctor means the household is not deprived.
- Statement 3 is Incorrect: The indicator does not cover women of all ages regardless of status. It is strictly limited to the specific subset of women who have given birth within the reference period (the 5 years preceding the survey).
Key Takeaway:
Under the National MPI, deprivation in Maternal Health is defined by the lack of skilled birth attendance or the failure to receive at least four antenatal care visits for women who gave birth in the preceding 5 years.