Workshop Highlights and Participation
The event brought together senior officials from 30 States and Union Territories, representatives from key ministries, UN agencies including UNDP and UNRCO, and prominent think tanks such as IIT Roorkee, NCAER, CEEW, and the Nudge Institute. Participants discussed India’s MPI journey and explored methodologies to enhance data-driven policymaking.
Inaugural Session and Key Addresses
The inaugural session was chaired by Sh. Suman K. Bery, Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog. Distinguished speakers included Prof. S. Mahendra Dev, Chairman, EAC-PM; Dr. V. K. Paul, Member, NITI Aayog; Sh. Shombi Sharp, UN Resident Coordinator; Dr. Saurabh Garg, Secretary, MoSPI; Dr. Sabina Alkire, Director, OPHI; and Sh. Rajib Kumar Sen, Programme Director, NITI Aayog.
Speakers emphasized MPI as a critical tool for precise poverty reduction, stronger governance, and tracking progress towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). They underscored the potential of MPI to complement existing socio-economic data for informed decision-making.
Panel Discussions: State-Level Implementation
A key panel discussion focused on how states are currently utilizing data for targeting social protection and poverty alleviation programs. Panelists shared experiences from initiatives such as Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister’s Breakfast Scheme, Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhav Abhiyan, Andhra Pradesh’s Zero Poverty – P4, and Odisha’s Social Protection Delivery Platform. The discussion highlighted the importance of integrating MPI data to improve program design, reduce survey periodicity, and enhance the effectiveness of social schemes.
Technical Methodology and Practical Exercise
The workshop included a dedicated session on the technical methodology behind National MPI calculations and the Leave No One Behind (LNOB) framework. Participants engaged in a practical exercise using sample datasets in Excel, helping officials understand the nuances of MPI computation and its application in policy and program evaluation.
Impact and Way Forward
The National Workshop reaffirmed NITI Aayog’s commitment to strengthening data-driven governance and improving poverty reduction strategies across India. By enhancing technical capacity and outreach, the MPI can serve as a vital tool for states and policymakers to ensure equitable development and accelerate progress towards national and global development targets.
