The National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) has recently completed the Multiple Indicator Survey (MIS) in its 78th round. This comprehensive survey spans the entire country, collecting extensive data on various aspects related to the well-being of individuals, households, and communities. The MIS focuses on key areas including health, education, water and sanitation, nutrition, and child protection.
About the Multiple Indicator Survey
A Multiple Indicator Survey is a research method designed to gather information about several key indicators that relate to the welfare of individuals and society as a whole. This type of survey aims to collect data useful for developing estimates of significant Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) indicators. Furthermore, it gathers information about the Purchase/Construction of house(s)/ flat(s) by households for residential purposes after 31.03.2014 and data on Migration.
Objective of the MIS
The main objectives of the MIS include collecting resources to develop estimates of some vital Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) indicators. The MIS also collects information on post-2014 residential property purchases or constructions by households and migration data.
Key Insights from the Survey
The survey has revealed some key findings that are critical to understanding current conditions and shaping future policies. These key insights range from accessibility to drinking water and exclusive toilets, use of energy for cooking, to education, employment, and training status among the population.
Drinking Water Accessibility
The survey found that Kerala, Manipur, Nagaland, and Jharkhand have less than 90% access to improved sources of drinking water. Major states like Assam, Jharkhand, Bihar, and Odisha rank among the worst in providing access to tapped drinking water for both rural and urban households.
Access to Exclusive Toilets
Among major states, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Odisha have the lowest percentage of rural households with access to an exclusive toilet.
Primary Source of Cooking Energy
In Chhattisgarh, Odisha, West Bengal, Nagaland, and Madhya Pradesh, firewood is the primary source of cooking energy for more than 70% of households. These states, along with Jharkhand, have less than a quarter of households using LPG for cooking—the lowest among all states and Union Territories.
Status of Education, Employment, or Training
The survey indicated that among larger states, Uttarakhand, Odisha, Kerala, and Delhi have the highest proportion (over 20%) of men aged 15 to 24 not engaged in education, employment, or training at the time of the survey. For females, this proportion was highest in Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Odisha, Gujarat, West Bengal, and Bihar.
Other Notable Survey Findings
Apart from the primary insights, the survey also revealed a trove of other significant information that could prove essential in policy making and resource allocation. The detailed data of these findings are accessible from the official report published by PIB.