PANAJI
A report published by the NITI Aayog has revealed a significant decline in the headcount ratio in Goa, from 3.76 per cent to 0.84 per cent. The Goa government has claimed that the 2.92 per cent drop signifies a decrease in the proportion of the population living below the national poverty line, which is a positive development for the State.
In response to the findings of the MPI 2023, the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) acknowledged the report and expressed a commitment to further reducing poverty in Goa.
“The State acknowledges the findings of the MPI 2023 and further, will work zealously to reduce it even further,” the CMO said as it shared the National Multimedia Dimensional Poverty Index, published on July 17, 2023, with the media on Tuesday.
The report provides details on the number of people who have escaped multidimensional poverty. According to the report, a total of 45,564 individuals (0.11 per cent of the population) in Goa have moved out of multidimensional poverty. The CMO emphasised that this achievement reflects Goa’s progress at the national level.
The report also highlights the government’s strategic focus on sustainable and equitable development, as well as its commitment to eradicating poverty by 2030 in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“The government’s dedicated efforts to improve access to sanitation, nutrition, cooking fuel, financial inclusion, drinking water, and electricity have resulted in significant advancements in these areas in Goa,” it said.
The report is based on the National Household Finance Survey (NHFS) 5 and NHFS-4, which present the state’s progress in addressing poverty. According to the report, India has witnessed a reduction of nearly half in the number of multidimensional poor people between NHFS-4 and NHFS-5. The study examines the State based on three pillars: health, education, and the standard of living of its people.
