NITI Aayog & UNDP Workshop Boosts Capacity on India’s Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI)
SDG 1: No Poverty | SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
Institutions: NITI Aayog | Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation
On 9 September 2025, NITI Aayog, in collaboration with UNDP, organised a national workshop titled “MPI: Strengthening Outreach and National Capacity” in New Delhi, under the State Support Mission. The workshop brought together senior officials from 30 States & Union Territories, various Ministries, UN agencies, and think tanks. Key themes included India’s journey with the MPI, technical methodologies behind its calculation, how States are using MPI data in social protection and poverty alleviation programs, and the potential of integrating MPI more deeply into decision-making, including reducing survey periodicity and improving “Leave No One Behind” (LNOB) analyses. Moreover, the workshop included hands-on exercises using sample datasets to help participants understand the nuances of MPI measurement.
This workshop builds state capacity and awareness around multidimensional measures of poverty, moving beyond traditional income‐based poverty metrics. For policy makers, it offers the opportunity to use MPI data more effectively for targeting vulnerable populations, designing more precise social protection schemes, monitoring SDG progress, and ensuring policies leave no one behind. Increasing familiarity with MPI technical methodologies can also help in refining its accuracy, frequency, and integration into data systems.
Relevant Question for Policy Stakeholders:
How will the insights from this workshop translate into concrete changes in state-level poverty reduction programs, survey design periodicity, and operationalising “Leave No One Behind” metrics?
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UNDP announcement: https://www.undp.org/india/press-releases/niti-aayog-collaboration-undp-organised-national-workshop-national-multidimensional-poverty-index-mpi-strengthening-outreach-and
PIB release: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=2165241