[31] TRENDS IN MULTIDIMENSIONAL POVERTY IN INDIA: EVIDENCE FROM NFHS-4 AND NFHS-5
ARTICLE INFO: Date of Submission: April 12, 2026, Revised: Apr 21, 2026, Accepted: Apr 23, 2026, CrossRef d.o.i : https://doi.org/10.56815/ijmrr.v5i4.2026.372-381. How to Cite the Article: Md. Shamshad Alam & Azra Bano (2026). Trends in Multidimensional Poverty in India: Evidence from NFHS-4 and NFHS-5. International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research & Reviews. 5(4), 372-381
Abstract
This study examines trends in multidimensional poverty in India using official data from the National Multidimensional Poverty Index prepared by NITI Aayog with technical support from the United Nations Development Programme. The analysis is based on National Family Health Survey data from NFHS-4 (2015–16) and NFHS-5 (2019–21). The study focuses on changes in the incidence of multidimensional poverty at the national level and compares poverty trends between rural and urban areas. The findings show a significant decline in the multidimensional poverty headcount ratio in India during the study period, indicating that a large proportion of the population moved out of poverty. The reduction in poverty was observed in both rural and urban areas, though rural areas continued to experience higher levels of deprivation. The results highlight that while India has made substantial progress in reducing multidimensional poverty, disparities between rural and urban regions persist. The study relies exclusively on official MPI data and uses a descriptive approach based on two tables and two figures. The findings contribute to understanding recent poverty trends in India and provide useful insights for monitoring progress towards poverty reduction goals.
