The correct option is (a).
Explanation
The National Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI), released by NITI Aayog, measures poverty across three dimensions: Health, Education, and Standard of Living. These dimensions are further divided into 12 indicators. 'Sanitation' is a key indicator under the Standard of Living dimension.- Statement 1 is Correct: According to the National MPI methodology, a household is considered deprived in the sanitation indicator if the household has no sanitation facility (i.e., members practice open defecation) or uses an unimproved facility.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: The methodology explicitly classifies a household as deprived if the sanitation facility is improved but is shared with other households. Therefore, sharing a facility, even if improved, counts as a deprivation.
- Statement 3 is Incorrect: The criteria for sanitation deprivation are based on the type of facility (improved vs. unimproved) and exclusivity (shared vs. private). Air-conditioning is not a parameter used to assess sanitation standards in poverty indices.
Key Takeaway: Under the National MPI, a household is deprived in sanitation if the facility is unimproved, or if it is improved but shared with other households.