New multidimensional index promises to transform poverty measurement in Peru.

The recent statement by Fanny Montellanos, Deputy Minister of Policy and Social Evaluation at the Ministry of Development and Social Inclusion (Midis), has sparked a wide debate regarding the measurement of poverty in the country. According to Montellanos, the implementation of the Multidimensional Poverty Index marks a significant milestone, as it will complement the traditional measurement of monetary poverty conducted by the National Institute of Statistics and Informatics (INEI) through the National Household Survey (ENAHO). The multidimensional approach aims to address poverty from various angles, not just from economic income, which would allow for a more comprehensive understanding of the situation of families in the country. Montellanos emphasized that this new index is not intended to "disguise" poverty figures, but rather to seek greater transparency in representing social reality and its various gaps. "We are adding an index to the existing measurement; we are not changing the way poverty is measured," Montellanos assured during her appearance on Canal N. This suggests that Midis respects the work of INEI and seeks to enrich the statistical landscape with a tool that could be more sensitive to various dimensions of human well-being. The deputy minister made it clear that the methodology being promoted is not an imposition on INEI, but a joint effort. "This measurement will always be needed," she stated, indicating that Midis trusts that collaboration with INEI and the Advisory Commission on Poverty will lead to the consolidation of a unique indicator that encompasses both monetary and multidimensional poverty. One of the main criticisms this new approach has received is skepticism regarding the effectiveness of adding an indicator on poverty. In this regard, Montellanos argued that expanding the analysis spectrum will allow for more effective identification of the needs of vulnerable populations, which could lead to more appropriate and direct public policies to address these needs. Furthermore, the new index could serve as a key tool in policy formulation that includes aspects such as education, health, and access to basic services, which are fundamental for escaping poverty. This contrasts with the traditional view that focuses almost exclusively on income. With the presentation of the results of the Multidimensional Poverty Index scheduled for the near future, it is expected that this new approach will bring about a change in the way social inclusion policies are designed. The deputy minister is confident that the expectations generated will translate into a deeper understanding of the conditions faced by many Peruvian families. However, the challenge lies in ensuring that civil society and the beneficiaries of social policies understand and accept these new indicators. The ability to adapt to these changes will be crucial for Midis and INEI to achieve their common objectives. This is a key moment to rethink the measurement of poverty in the country. The implementation of the Multidimensional Poverty Index could lay the groundwork for a more comprehensive and humane approach to the fight against poverty, which will undoubtedly be subject to follow-up and analysis in the coming months. The need for clear and effective evidence has never been more urgent, and society expects results that translate into tangible improvements in the quality of life for the most vulnerable populations.