Human Development: A Digital Explorer

Beyond mere economic growth, understanding the true progress of nations is rooted in enhancing human capabilities, freedoms, and choices.

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Concept of Human Development

Definition & Core Focus

Human development is defined as the process of enlarging people's freedoms and opportunities and improving their well-being. It is about the real freedom ordinary people have to decide who to be, what to do, and how to live. (Source: UNDP)

Pioneers of the Idea

The concept was largely developed by Pakistani economist Mahbub ul Haq in collaboration with Indian Nobel laureate Amartya Sen, championing a people-centric approach to development.

Capabilities Approach

As pioneered by Amartya Sen, this approach emphasizes functional capabilities – i.e., what people are able to do and be. Examples include being well-nourished, healthy, educated, having self-respect, and participating in community life.

Four Pillars of Human Development

  • Equity: Fair distribution of opportunities across all sections of society.
  • Sustainability: Meeting present needs without compromising future generations' ability to meet their own.
  • Productivity: Investing in human capital to enhance productivity and economic growth.
  • Empowerment: Enabling people to participate in decisions that affect their lives and well-being.

Distinction from Economic Growth

Economic growth (increase in GDP) is a means to human development, not an end in itself. Human development is a broader concept concerned with the quality of life, not just the quantity of commodities.

High GDP growth does not automatically translate into high human development (e.g., "jobless growth" or inequitable distribution of wealth).

The Human Development Index (HDI)

What is the HDI?

The HDI is a summary composite measure of average achievement in key dimensions of human development. It was first launched in the Human Development Report 1990 by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Dimensions & Indicators:

  • A Long and Healthy Life: Measured by Life Expectancy at Birth. (Source: UN DESA)
  • Being Knowledgeable (Education):
    • Expected Years of Schooling
    • Mean Years of Schooling
    (Source: UNESCO Institute for Statistics, Barro-Lee)
  • A Decent Standard of Living: Measured by Gross National Income (GNI) per capita (Purchasing Power Parity $). (Source: World Bank, IMF)

Calculation & Interpretation

Each dimension's indicator is normalized to a value between 0 and 1. The HDI is the geometric mean of these three normalized dimension indices:
HDI = (I_Health * I_Education * I_Income)^(1/3)

Interpretation of Values:

  • Very High Human Development: 0.800 and above
  • High Human Development: 0.700–0.799
  • Medium Human Development: 0.550–0.699
  • Low Human Development: Below 0.550

India's Latest HDI (HDR 2021-22, released Sep 2022): Ranked 132nd out of 191 countries with an HDI value of 0.633 (Medium Human Development category).

India's HDI: A Journey Through Time

1990

Foundational Period

India's HDI value was 0.434, placing it in the low human development category. This marks the baseline for long-term progress assessment.

Early 2000s

Entry into Medium HD

Consistent policy focus and economic growth led to India transitioning into the 'Medium Human Development' category.

2010s

Continued Ascent

Improvements in life expectancy, education enrolment, and GNI per capita fueled steady gains in HDI value.

HDR 2020 (Released 2020)

Pre-Pandemic Assessment

India ranked 131st with an HDI value of 0.645, reflecting pre-COVID-19 progress.

HDR 2021-22 (Released 2022)

Impact of Global Crises

India's rank slipped to 132nd with an HDI of 0.633. This global decline was largely attributed to widespread crises like COVID-19, the war in Ukraine, and climate change affecting human development outcomes worldwide.

Other Associated Indices

Inequality-adjusted HDI (IHDI)

The IHDI adjusts the HDI for inequality in the distribution of each of its three dimensions across the population. If there is no inequality, the IHDI value is equal to the HDI value.

The difference between HDI and IHDI represents the ‘loss’ in potential human development due to inequality.

For India (HDR 2021-22), the IHDI value was 0.475, representing a loss of 25% due to inequality in human development outcomes.

Gender Development Index (GDI)

The GDI measures gender gaps in human development achievements by accounting for disparities between women and men in the three basic dimensions of HDI (health, education, and standard of living).

It is expressed as the ratio of female HDI to male HDI. A value closer to 1 indicates greater gender parity in human development achievements.

India's GDI value (HDR 2021-22) was 0.849, indicating a persistent gender gap.

Gender Inequality Index (GII)

The GII measures gender inequality in three important aspects of human development:

  • Reproductive Health: Maternal mortality ratio and adolescent birth rates.
  • Empowerment: Proportion of parliamentary seats occupied by females and proportion of adults aged 25+ with at least secondary education.
  • Economic Status: Labour force participation rates for female and male populations aged 15+.

Higher GII values indicate more disparities. India's GII value (HDR 2021-22) was 0.490, ranking it 122nd out of 170 countries in 2021.

Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI)

Developed by Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) and UNDP, the MPI captures acute multidimensional poverty by measuring deprivations across 10 indicators in three dimensions:

  • Health: Nutrition, Child mortality.
  • Education: Years of schooling, School attendance.
  • Standard of Living: Cooking fuel, Sanitation, Drinking water, Electricity, Housing, Assets.

A person is multidimensionally poor if deprived in at least one-third (33.33%) of the weighted indicators.

India (National MPI, NITI Aayog, NFHS-5 2019-21): Multidimensionally poor population declined from 24.85% in 2015-16 to 14.96%. An impressive 135 million people exited poverty between these periods.

Key Human Development Indices: At a Glance

Index Released By Key Focus India's Latest (Value / Rank)
HDI UNDP Health, Education, Standard of Living 0.633 / 132 (HDR 2021-22)
IHDI UNDP HDI adjusted for Inequality 0.475 (Loss of 25%) (HDR 2021-22)
GDI UNDP Gender gap in HDI achievements 0.849 (HDR 2021-22)
GII UNDP Gender inequality (Rep. Health, Empower., Labour) 0.490 / 122 (HDR 2021-22)
National MPI NITI Aayog Multidimensional Deprivations (NFHS data) 14.96% poor (NFHS-5, 2019-21)
SDG India Index NITI Aayog Progress on SDGs by States/UTs Score 66 (2020-21)

Social Sector Development in India

Health Sector in India

Key Indicators (Latest Data):

  • Infant Mortality Rate (IMR): 28 per 1000 live births (SRS Bulletin, May 2022, for year 2020)
  • Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR): 97 per 100,000 live births (SRS Special Bulletin on MMR 2018-20, released March 2023)
  • Life Expectancy: ~67.2 years (HDR 2021-22) / 69.7 years (SRS Abridged Life Tables 2015-19)

Challenges:

  • Low public health expenditure (around 1.35% of GDP)
  • Shortage of medical personnel (Doctor-population ratio 1:834; WHO norm 1:1000)
  • Inadequate physical infrastructure (PHCs, CHCs, hospitals)
  • High out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE) on health (around 48.2%)
  • Regional disparities in health outcomes and infrastructure
  • Dual disease burden: Communicable diseases persist alongside rising Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)

Government Initiatives:

  • National Health Mission (NHM): Launched 2013, subsuming NRHM & NUHM. Aims for universal access to equitable, affordable, quality healthcare. (Extended till FY 2025-26)
  • Ayushman Bharat (Launched 2018):
    • Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY): World's largest government-funded health assurance scheme. Provides health cover of Rs. 5 lakhs/family/year for secondary/tertiary care to over 12 crore poor families.
    • Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs): Aims to transform 1.5 lakh PHCs/Sub-Health Centres into HWCs providing Comprehensive Primary Health Care (CPHC), including tele-consultation services (e-Sanjeevani).
  • Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM): Launched Sep 2021. Aims to create a national digital health ecosystem (Health ID/ABHA, Healthcare Professionals Registry/HPR, Health Facility Registry/HFR). Over 45 crore ABHA numbers created.
  • Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM): Launched Oct 2021 to strengthen critical healthcare network from village to national level with ₹64,180 crore outlay over 5 years.
Education Sector in India

Key Indicators:

  • Literacy Rate (Age 7 and above): 77.7% (NSO Survey, 2017-18)
  • Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) Higher Education: 27.3% (AISHE 2021-22)
  • Dropout Rates (UDISE+ 2021-22): Primary: 1.5%, Upper Primary: 3.0%, Secondary: 12.6%

Challenges:

  • Access: Issues of out-of-school children, regional and social disparities in enrolment.
  • Quality: Poor learning outcomes (ASER reports highlight decline in basic skills post-pandemic). Inadequate teacher training, pupil-teacher ratio, and infrastructure.
  • Equity: Gaps in enrolment and retention based on gender, socio-economic status, and geographical location. Digital divide affecting access to online education.

Government Initiatives:

  • Samagra Shiksha: Launched in 2018, integrating SSA, RMSA, and TE. An integrated scheme for school education from pre-school to Class XII. (Aligned with NEP 2020 recommendations, focus on NIPUN Bharat mission for foundational literacy and numeracy).
  • Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009: Made education a fundamental right for children aged 6-14 years (Article 21-A). Mandates norms for schools, pupil-teacher ratios, infrastructure.
  • New Education Policy (NEP) 2020: Aims to overhaul the Indian education system. Key features include 5+3+3+4 curricular structure, focus on Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE), multidisciplinary education, vocational education, target GER of 50% in higher education by 2035. (PM SHRI Schools being set up to showcase NEP implementation).
Nutrition Sector in India

Malnutrition Challenges (NFHS-5, 2019-21 data):

  • Stunting (low height-for-age): 35.5% of children under 5.
  • Wasting (low weight-for-height): 19.3% of children under 5.
  • Underweight (low weight-for-age): 32.1% of children under 5.
  • Anaemia: 67.1% in children (6-59 months), 57% in women (15-49 years).

Government Initiatives:

  • POSHAN Abhiyaan (National Nutrition Mission): Launched in 2018. Aims to reduce stunting, under-nutrition, anaemia, and low birth weight. Uses technology, convergence, and behavioural change. (Mission POSHAN 2.0 launched in Budget 2021-22, merging Supplementary Nutrition Programme and Poshan Abhiyaan; focus on fortified foods like rice fortification).
  • Mid-Day Meal Scheme (PM POSHAN Shakti Nirman - PM POSHAN): One of the world's largest school feeding programs. Provides hot cooked meals to school children. Renamed in 2021 and extended to pre-primary students. (Emphasis on "Tithi Bhojan" and school nutrition gardens).

Demographic Dividend

Concept & Opportunities

The demographic dividend refers to the economic growth potential that can result from shifts in a population’s age structure, particularly when the working-age population (15 to 59/64 years) is larger than the non-working-age population.

Key Opportunities:

  • Increased Labour Supply & Productivity.
  • Higher Savings Rate leading to increased capital for investment.
  • Human Capital Formation through investments in education and skills.
  • Innovation and Entrepreneurship from a dynamic young population.
  • Fiscal Space due to lower dependency ratio, freeing resources.

Challenges & India's Profile

Critical Challenges:

  • Skill Gap: Ensuring the workforce has relevant skills.
  • Unemployment/Underemployment: Creating sufficient quality jobs.
  • Informal Sector Dominance: Low wages, no social security for many.
  • Social Security for Aging Population: A future challenge as the dividend wanes.
  • Gender Inequality in Workforce: Low female labor force participation rate (29.4% in 2022-23, PLFS).

India's Demographic Profile:

  • India has one of the youngest populations globally (approx. 65% under 35).
  • Working-age population (15-59 years) projected to be over 62%.
  • India entered the demographic dividend window in 2005-06, expected to last till 2055-56.
  • Peak of the dividend period: Around 2041.
  • Recent Development: India surpassed China to become the world's most populous country in April 2023, underscoring the urgency of leveraging this dividend.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Agenda 2030 & Key Goals

Adopted by all UN Member States in 2015, the Agenda 2030 provides a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet. It comprises 17 Goals and 169 Targets.

Key Human Development Related SDGs:

  • SDG 1: No Poverty
  • SDG 2: Zero Hunger
  • SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
  • SDG 4: Quality Education
  • SDG 5: Gender Equality
  • SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
  • SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

Goals are interconnected; success in one often depends on tackling issues in others, requiring integrated planning.

India's Progress & NITI Aayog's Role

NITI Aayog is the nodal agency for SDG implementation and monitoring in India, releasing the SDG India Index and Dashboard annually.

Highlights:

  • SDG India Index 2020-21: Overall national score of 66 (up from 57 in 2018-19).
  • Top States: Kerala (75), Himachal Pradesh & Tamil Nadu (74).
  • Bottom States: Bihar (52), Jharkhand (56), Assam (57).
  • Significant strides in SDG 1 (Poverty), SDG 6 (Clean Water & Sanitation), SDG 7 (Affordable & Clean Energy).

Challenges & NITI Aayog's Efforts:

  • Challenges remain in SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities).
  • NITI Aayog has developed National & State Indicator Frameworks (NIF, SIF) for robust monitoring.
  • Localization of SDGs at district and block levels is a key focus.
  • India presented its Voluntary National Review (VNR) at UN HLPF in 2017 and 2020.

Conclusion & Way Forward

Significance for India

Human development is paramount for India's journey towards becoming a developed nation by 2047 ('Amrit Kaal'). It ensures that economic progress translates into meaningful improvements in the lives of citizens, fostering a productive, equitable, and sustainable society.

A focus on human development is essential for social justice, poverty reduction, and enhancing national capabilities, truly placing people at the center of progress.

Strategic Way Forward

  • Increased Social Sector Investment: Target 2.5% of GDP for health (NHP 2017) and 6% for education (NEP 2020).
  • Strengthening Implementation: Effective last-mile delivery through good governance, technology (DBT), and community participation.
  • Quality Enhancement: Shift from quantitative expansion to qualitative improvements in health, education, and nutrition.
  • Addressing Inequalities: Targeted interventions for vulnerable groups and regions.
  • Skilling for Demographic Dividend: Align education/vocational training with industry needs; promote entrepreneurship.
  • Data-Driven Policy Making: Utilize robust data for evidence-based planning and course correction.
  • Mainstreaming Gender: Enhance female education, health, economic participation, and political representation.
  • Cooperative Federalism: Strengthen Centre-State collaboration for effective social sector delivery.
  • Resilience Building: Develop systems resilient to shocks like pandemics and climate change.