Consider the following statements:
1. The Human Development Index (HDI) is based on life expectancy and standard of living only.
2. Life expectancy at birth is taken into account to measure HDI.
3. Multi Dimensional Poverty Index (MPI) measures health and education only.
4. Child mortality and nutrition are taken into account to measure health in MPI.
Which of the statements given above is/are CORRECT?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
Explanation
Answer — Only 2 and 4 are correct.
Explanation —
This question relates to the structure of key development indices.
Statement 1 is incorrect: The Human Development Index (HDI) is based on three dimensions, not just two: (i) Health (life expectancy), (ii) Education (mean and expected years of schooling), and (iii) Standard of Living (Gross National Income per capita - GNI).
Statement 2 is correct: 'Life expectancy at birth' is considered the primary indicator for measuring the health dimension of the HDI.
Statement 3 is incorrect: The Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) does not measure only health and education; rather, it encompasses three dimensions: Health, Education, and Standard of Living.
Statement 4 is correct: The 'Health' dimension of the MPI includes two significant indicators—Nutrition and Child Mortality.
Additional Points —
HDI: It was developed in 1990 by Pakistani economist Mahbub-ul-Haq and Indian economist Amartya Sen. It is released by the UNDP.
MPI: It was launched in 2010 by the 'Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative' (OPHI) and the UNDP. It comprises a total of 10 indicators.
Potential Exam Questions and Answers —
Question: Who releases the 'National Multidimensional Poverty Index' in India?
Answer: NITI Aayog.
Question: Which two indicators are included in the 'Education' dimension of the HDI?
Answer: Mean years of schooling and Expected years of schooling.