Bare Necessities Index

Bare Necessities Index 

In its Economic Survey for 2020-21, the Finance Ministry developed a new statistic dubbed the Bare Necessities Index to measure progress on the quality of bare necessities such as drinking water, sanitation, shelter, electricity, and LPG (BNI).

The index was created as a way to evaluate economic development using the “basic necessities” concept. This method establishes minimum quantities of 26 fundamental necessities such as food, clothing, shelter, water, and sanitation, as well as housing, micro-environment, and other amenities.

It was calculated using data collected by the National Statistical Office in 2012 and 2018 on the aforementioned dimensions.

The “basic needs” approach to economic growth, according to the Economic Survey, focuses on minimum specified quantities of basic essentials such as food, clothing, shelter, water, and sanitation that are required to prevent illness and malnutrition. Using data from the National Statistical Office, the Bare Necessities Index (BNI) attempts to measure this approach to economic development (NSO). It is made for all States/Union Territories using data collected at the state level.

The Economic Survey also points out that, as a result of the government’s continuous efforts through a network of schemes such as the Swachh Bharat Mission, National Rural Drinking Water Programme, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Saubhagya, and Ujjwala Yojana, access to basic necessities improved in 2018 across all States in the country when compared to 2012. In both rural and urban areas, inter-state gaps in access to basic requirements have decreased, and access has improved disproportionately for the poorest households when compared to the richest households.

Between urban and rural India, access to basic essentials such as drinking water, sanitation, hygiene, and housing conditions continues to persist. Despite numerous advancements in each of these areas, this remains the case. This is why, in the Economic Survey for 2020 – 21, a new “Bare Necessities Index” was created (BNI).

The progress in delivering the bare needs will be measured by the Bare Necessities Index. The BNI index will assess households’ access to “the bare necessities” in rural, urban, and pan-India settings. Water, sanitation, housing, micro-environment, and other facilities are all measured using 26 relevant indicators across five dimensions. The indicators will include, among other things, housing availability and quality, access to a bathroom, kitchen, toilet, drinking water, waste disposal facilities, clean cooking fuel, and a disease-free environment.

Important Points under Bare Necessities Index (BNI)

• The Bare Necessities Index (BNI) is calculated at the rural, urban, and all-India levels in the Economic Survey 2020-2021. 
• The BNI compiles 26 indicators across five dimensions: water, sanitation, housing, microenvironment, and other services.
• The BNI was built using data from two NSO rounds, the 69th and 76th on Drinking Water, Sanitation, Hygiene, and Housing Condition in India, for all states between 2012 and 2018.
• The “basic needs” approach to economic growth, according to the Economic Survey, focuses on minimum specified quantities of basic essentials such as food, clothing, shelter, water, and sanitation that are required to prevent illness and malnutrition.
• Using data from the National Statistical Office, the Bare Necessities Index (BNI) attempts to measure this approach to economic development (NSO).
• It is made for all States/Union Territories using data collected at the state level.
• The index divides places into three categories: high, medium, and low access to bare essentials.

Bare Necessities Improvement:

•  In comparison to 2012, bare needs have improved in all states of the country in 2018.
• The increase in equity is notable since the wealthy have access to private alternatives to public benefits.

Conclusion:

The Bare Needs Index is a useful way to ensure that all sectors, states, and the country have equitable access to the bare necessities. It demonstrates the importance of putting a specific emphasis on public health.