Consider the following statements about Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) : 1. MPI is calculated using Alkire-Foster methodology. 2. MPI calculated by NITI Aayog has a total of twelve indicators. 3. Maternal Health and Bank Account are common indicators in the MPI of NITI Aayog and MPI of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
- (a) 1 and 2 only ✓ UPSC's answer
- (b) 1, 2 and 3
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- (d) 2 only
Why the answer is (a)
• Both the global MPI of UNDP–OPHI and India's national MPI use the Alkire–Foster method, which identifies a person as poor if deprived in at least one-third of weighted indicators — statement 1 is correct.
• NITI Aayog's national MPI keeps the three dimensions (health, education, standard of living) but uses twelve indicators, adding maternal health and bank account to the global ten — statement 2 is correct.
• Statement 3 is wrong for exactly that reason: maternal health and bank account are the two indicators unique to the Indian MPI; the UNDP global MPI does not include them.
• NITI Aayog's 2024 discussion paper estimated that multidimensional poverty fell from about 29% in 2013–14 to about 11% in 2022–23.
• Hence 1 and 2 only, option (a).
Why the other options are wrong
- (b) 1, 2 and 3
- Statement 3 is wrong: maternal health and bank account are not in the UNDP MPI.
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- Statement 3 is wrong and statement 2 (twelve indicators) is correct.
- (d) 2 only
- Statement 1 on the Alkire-Foster method is also correct.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2026, held on 24 May 2026. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.