Asian Journal of Current Research

This study presents a critical comparative analysis of poverty alleviation strategies in India using the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) and Human Development Index (HDI) from 2015 to 2024. The main aim of this study is to evaluate how multidimensional poverty and human development intersect in India, in order to propose evidence-based and inclusive poverty alleviation strategies. Utilizing nationally representative datasets, the research applies the Alkire-Foster methodology alongside statistical and spatial techniques to examine temporal shifts, regional disparities, and dimensional contributions to poverty. Findings reveal a significant national decline in MPI from 24.85% to 11.28%, with over 248 million individuals escaping multidimensional poverty. HDI improved modestly from 0.645 to 0.685, with health indicators contributing most prominently to MPI reduction. A moderate negative correlation between MPI and HDI suggests partial complementarity in capturing deprivation. The analysis highlights sharper MPI reductions in rural areas and persistent inter-state inequalities, particularly in education and living standards. By integrating MPI and HDI metrics, the study advances the capability approach and underscores the need for dimension-specific, spatially adaptive policy interventions. The paper concludes with recommendations for converging multidimensional diagnostics in national planning, enhancing equity-oriented governance, and aligning poverty alleviation strategies with Sustainable Development Goals. The study aligns its findings with Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 1: No Poverty, SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, SDG 4: Quality Education, and SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities).