Full formGeneral
HPIstands forHuman Poverty Index
Full Form of HPI
What is HPI?
The Human Poverty Index (HPI) is a composite index developed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to measure the level of deprivation and poverty in a country, focusing on three essential dimensions: a long and healthy life, knowledge, and a decent standard of living. Unlike income-based measures, HPI captures non‑monetary aspects of poverty, such as the probability of not surviving to age 40, adult illiteracy rate, and lack of access to improved water sources and healthcare. In the Indian context, HPI has been used by policymakers, researchers, and international agencies to identify backward districts and design targeted welfare schemes. It is prominently cited in UNDP’s Human Development Reports and is a recurring topic in competitive exams such as UPSC Civil Services, UGC NET Economics, and state PCS exams. Although India’s HPI has steadily improved over the decades, inter‑state disparities remain significant, with states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Odisha often showing higher deprivation. The index is gradually being superseded by the more detailed Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI), but HPI still serves as a useful historical benchmark. Understanding HPI helps students grasp how poverty is measured beyond income and how India compares globally on quality‑of‑life indicators.
HPI का फुल फॉर्म
मानव गरीबी सूचकांक
Example
According to the recent UNDP report, India's HPI has dropped by 15% over the last decade, though rural‑urban gaps in health and education remain wide.
HPI — frequently asked questions
What is the full form of HPI?
The full form of HPI is Human Poverty Index, a composite measure developed by the UNDP to assess deprivation in a country across health, education, and living standards.
How does HPI differ from HDI?
HDI (Human Development Index) focuses on achievements in health, education, and income, while HPI focuses on deprivations and failures in the same dimensions. A high HDI does not guarantee a low HPI.
Which Indian states have a high HPI?
States such as Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Odisha have historically recorded higher HPI values, indicating greater levels of multidimensional deprivation.