Q. Which among the following is/are NOT a social indicator of poverty ?
1. Illiteracy
2. Safe drinking water
3. Job opportunities
4. Size of the house
Select the correct answer from the code given below :
a) 1 and 2
b) Only 4
c) 3 and 4
d) Only 1
Correct Answer: b) Only 4
Question from UPPSC Prelims 2025
Explanation:
Social indicators of poverty capture non-income deprivations in education, health, basic amenities, and employment.
– Illiteracy (1): A classic social indicator reflecting educational deprivation among the poor.
– Safe drinking water (2): Access (or lack thereof) to safe drinking water is a key social indicator of living conditions.
– Job opportunities (3): Lack of job opportunities/unemployment is commonly included among social indicators of poverty.
– Size of the house (4): Not a standard social indicator in the usual NCERT/UPSC listing; it pertains more to housing/asset characteristics rather than the conventional social indicators such as education, health, water/sanitation, and employment.
Therefore, the item that is NOT a social indicator is Only 4.
