Measuring and Sustaining Progress: India\'s Journey in Multidimensional Poverty Reduction

India's multidimensional poverty transition is one of the most important achievements in global development over the past decade.Based on the National Family Health Survey-4 (NFHS-4) (2015-2016) and NFHS-5 (2019-2021), the multidimensional poverty index (MPI) shows that India reduced its poverty headcount ratio from 24.85 to 14.96%.In just 5 years, more than 135 million people moved out of poverty.This paper presents India's MPI journey, places it in the global fight against poverty, and highlights lessons for other countries working toward Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 1.2, which aims to reduce poverty in all its forms by half by 2030.India's success comes from bold policy actions that improved living standards through access to sanitation, housing, electricity, safe drinking water, and clean cooking fuel, supported by better maternal health, child nutrition, and education.However, challenges remain.Malnutrition, poor school completion, and regional gaps continue to affect millions.India's example shows how institutionalizing MPI measurement and linking it with governance can drive results.The paper argues that robust data systems, targeted social protection, and systemic resilience are critical for sustaining progress and ensuring that no one is left behind.