Multidimensional Deprivations of the Households: A Study in the Context of Bankura District, West Bengal

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to assess the multidimensional deprivation and its determinants for the households in Bankura district, West Bengal. In order to gauge multidimensional deprivation this study covers ten indicators covering three dimensions viz. health, education and the standard of living. The ordered logit regression model has been formulated to investigate the factors affecting the probability of falling in multidimensional deprivation at different extents. Using a set of primary data collected from 580 households this study has reported that 40 per cent of the sample households are income poor while 52 percent suffers from multidimensional poverty. Besides, 13.6 percent of the sample households, who are 29 per cent of the non-poor households, are vulnerable of multi-dimensional poverty. The ordered logit regression analysis reveals per capita household income, landholding, major occupations and castes as significant determinants of the extent of multidimensional deprivations for the households in Bankura district. However, type of family, social status and participation in SHG-centric microfinance programme are less important in the determination of the extent of multidimensional deprivations.