What is Social Progress Index?

About Social Progress Index (SPI):

• SPI is a comprehensive tool intended to be a holistic measure of the Social Progress made by the country at the national and sub-national levels. 
• The report has been prepared by Institute for Competitiveness, headed by Dr Amit Kapoor and the Social Progress Imperative, headed by Michael Green.
• It was mandated by Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister of India.

What is the objective of the SPI?

• The report aims to provide a systematic account of the social progress made at all levels in the country with state and district-wise rankings and scorecards.
• The report also sheds light on the achievements of the districts that have performed well on the index and the role of the states in achieving social progress.
• A special section of the report provides an analysis of the Aspirational Districts of India, leading to a broader understanding of the social progress at the grassroots level. 
• The report will act as a critical enabler and tool for policymakers in the coming years for achieving sustained socio-economic growth.  

Components:

• SPI assesses the performance of states and districts on three dimensions of social progress: Basic Human Needs, Foundations of Wellbeing, and Opportunity. Within each dimension, there are four components.
• The dimension of Basic Human Needs assesses the performance of states and districts in terms of Nutrition and Basic Medical Care, Water and Sanitation, Personal Safety and Shelter. 
• The dimension of Foundations of Wellbeing evaluates the progress made by the country across the components of Access to Basic Knowledge, Access to Information and Communication, Health and Wellness, and Environmental Quality. 
• The dimension of Opportunity focuses on aspects of Personal Rights, Personal Freedom and Choice, Inclusiveness, and Access to Advanced Education.

 

---

Q1) Which States/UTs scored the highest and the lowest in the Social Progress Index?

Puducherry has the highest SPI score in  the country while Jharkhand and Bihar scored the lowest in the country.

Source: PIB