Human Development Report: Measuring Progress Beyond GDP
Human development metrics and India’s progress feature prominently in UPSC GS Paper 2 (Governance, Social Justice) and GS Paper 3 (Inclusive Growth). Important question themes include the critique of GDP-centric growth, role of human development in policy, regional disparities, gender issues, and climate change’s impact on social progress.
Introduction
Human development is a multidimensional concept that goes beyond the traditional measure of economic growth, focusing on expanding people’s freedoms and enhancing their capabilities to lead fulfilling lives. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) introduced the Human Development Index (HDI) as a comprehensive measure incorporating health, education, and income indicators. The latest Human Development Report (HDR) 2023-24 titled “Breaking the Gridlock: Reimagining Cooperation in a Polarized World” underscores the significance of tracking holistic human development amid global challenges like inequality, climate change, and geopolitical tensions. Measuring progress beyond GDP is crucial to capture real improvements in human well-being and social justice.
About the Human Development Report
Initiated in 1990 by pioneers Mahbub ul Haq and Amartya Sen, the HDR presents an alternative paradigm to GDP-centric metrics by emphasizing health, education, and income dimensions. The HDI is calculated using life expectancy at birth (health), mean years of schooling and expected years of schooling (education), and Gross National Income (GNI) per capita adjusted for purchasing power parity (income). Complementary indices such as the Gender Development Index (GDI) evaluate gender disparities, while the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) assesses deprivation beyond income poverty, factoring in education, health, and standard of living.
Key Highlights of the Latest HDR
The 2023-24 report highlights stark disparities in human development recovery amid the post-pandemic world. Wealthier countries have largely rebounded to or surpassed pre-crisis HDI levels, whereas many developing and least-developed nations lag far behind. India’s HDI has improved from 0.644 in 2022 to approximately 0.685 in 2023, ranking 130th out of 193 countries—an improvement from 134th the previous year.
Since 1990, India’s HDI value has surged by over 53%, supported by increased life expectancy (now 72 years), expanded schooling (expected years at 13 and mean years at 6.9), and rising GNI per capita (about $9,047 in 2023). The Gender Inequality Index (GII) improved, but India continues to face high inequality losses, notably with female labor force participation at low levels. When compared to regional peers, India lags behind China and Sri Lanka but surpasses Nepal and Pakistan, indicating uneven progress across South Asia.
India’s Policy and Institutional Response
India’s human development gains reflect strong policy initiatives:
- National Education Policy 2020 aims to improve learning outcomes and access.
- Ayushman Bharat provides healthcare access to vulnerable populations.
- PM Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) promotes financial inclusion.
- Skill India enhances employability.
- Beti Bachao Beti Padhao addresses gender disparities.
NITI Aayog’s annual SDG India Index systematically monitors development outcomes across states, reinforcing data-driven policymaking and regional accountability.
Challenges Ahead
Despite these gains, India grapples with serious challenges:
- Inequality: Stark income and social disparities reduce effective HDI gains by over 30%.
- Health Infrastructure: Unequal access and quality persist, especially in rural areas.
- Education Quality: Despite more years in school, learning levels remain a concern.
- Employment: Limited job creation amid demographic growth weakens economic inclusion.
- Climate Vulnerability: Environmental risks threaten health and livelihood sustainability.
Economic growth alone is insufficient; human development mandates prioritizing social justice, regional equity, and sustainability.
Way Forward
To enhance human development, India must:
- Invest significantly in health, education, and social infrastructure nationwide;
- Foster gender equality, boosting women’s political and economic participation;
- Promote digital literacy for inclusive knowledge economies;
- Implement climate-resilient development plans supporting vulnerable communities;
- Strengthen decentralization and governance mechanisms to address state-level disparities.
These concerted efforts will ensure holistic and sustainable human well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the Human Development Index (HDI)?
A1. The HDI is a composite index measuring average achievement in key dimensions of human development: health (life expectancy), education (mean and expected years of schooling), and income (GNI per capita).
Q2. What is the theme of the latest Human Development Report (2023-24)?
A2. The theme is “Breaking the Gridlock: Reimagining Cooperation in a Polarized World,” focusing on the need for global cooperation and inclusive development.
Q3. How has India performed in the latest Human Development Report?
A3. India ranks 130th out of 193 countries with an HDI of 0.685, showing progress in health, education, and income but facing challenges like inequality and regional disparities.
Q4. What policy initiatives have contributed to India’s human development?
A4. Key initiatives include the National Education Policy, Ayushman Bharat healthcare program, PM Jan Dhan Yojana for financial inclusion, Skill India, and Beti Bachao Beti Padhao.
Q5. What challenges remain for India’s human development?
A5. Challenges include regional inequality, gender gaps, healthcare quality, education outcomes, jobless growth, and climate vulnerability.
