Guwahati, 16th January: Recent data from the National Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) reveals a substantial decline in multidimensional poverty in Assam, marking a significant achievement in the state’s battle against poverty. The MPI report by Niti Aayog illustrates a notable decrease from 36.97% in 2013-14 to 14.47% in 2022-2023, signifying that around 80.36 lakh individuals have transitioned out of multidimensional poverty in just five years.
Assam’s Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, shared this positive development on social media, stating that the state is currently witnessing its most prosperous era. He credited the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, for the impactful government policies that have contributed to lifting 80 lakh people out of poverty in the last three years, reducing the poverty headcount ratio by 25%. Sarma expressed optimism about Assam’s rapid growth trajectory, envisioning it as one of the top 5 states in the country, making a significant contribution to national development.
Assam’s anti-poverty initiatives include the Assam Orunodoi Scheme, offering direct financial assistance to impoverished households through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). The scheme has seen an increase in the monthly assistance from Rs 830 to Rs 1,250. Additionally, the state has launched the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM) to address urban poverty.
The Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) is a globally recognized metric that assesses poverty across various dimensions, going beyond monetary aspects. It utilizes the robust Alkire and Foster (AF) method to identify individuals in acute poverty, providing a comprehensive perspective that complements traditional monetary poverty measures.
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