Progress of human development in India

<<2/”>a >p class=”csE127C53″>Human Development—a comprehensive approach

  • Human development is a process of enlarging people’s choices. But human development is also the objective, so it is both a process and an outcome. Human development implies that people must influence the processes that shape their lives. In all this, economic Growth is an important means to human development, but not the end.
  • Human development is the development of the people through building human capabilities, by the people through active participation in the processes that shape their lives and for the people by improving their lives.
  • It is broader than other approaches, such as the human resource approach, the basic needs approach and the human welfare approach

Measuring human development

  • The composite Human Development index (HDI) integrates three basic dimensions of human development.
  • Life expectancy at birth reflects the ability to lead a long and healthy life.
  • Mean years of schooling and expected years of schooling reflect the ability to acquire knowledge. And gross NATIONAL INCOME per capita reflects the ability to achieve a decent standard of living.
  • To measure human development more comprehensively, the Human Development Report also presents four other composite indices.
  • The Inequality-adjusted HDI Discounts the HDI according to the extent of inequality.
  • The Gender Development Index compares female and male HDI values.
  • The Gender Inequality Index highlights Women’s Empowerment. And the Multidimensional POVERTY Index measures nonincome dimensions of poverty.

India’s Human Development Index 2016

  • India was ranked 131 in the 2016 Human Development Index (HDI) among the 188 countries.  
  • India scored 0.624 and was placed in medium human development category.
  • The index was unveiled recently as part of the Human Development Report (HDR) 2016 titled Human Development for Everyone published by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
  • India related facts: India’s HDI value increased from 0.428 in 1990 to 0.624 in 2015. However, its Average annual growth in HDI (1990-2015) was higher than that of other medium HDI countries.
  • Life expectancy at birth: In India, it has increased from 68 years to an average of 68.3 years — 69.9 years for women and 66.9 years for men.
  • Access to knowledge: India’s expected years of schooling remains at 11.7 years, while mean years of schooling increased from 5.4 to 6.3 years.
  • India’s Gross National Income (GNI) based on per capita purchasing power parity (PPP): It has risen from $5,497 to $5,663.
  • Gender Inequality Index (GII): India ranked 125 among 159 countries. Only 12.2% of Parliament seats are held by women. 8% of women above the age of 15 years are part of India’s labour force — compared to 79.1% men. The ratio of maternal mortality is 174 against every 100000 live births.
  • Inequality-adjusted Human Development Index (IHDI): It is difference between the HDI and IHDI, expressed as a Percentage of the HDI, indicating the loss in human development due to inequality.
  • India’s HDI was pegged at 0.624, but its value falls 27.2% after being adjusted for inequalities, resulting in a HDI value of 0.455.
  • Life expectancy adjusted with inequalities between 2010 and 2015 fell 24%, resulting in a value of 0.565.
  • The percentage of inequality in Education in 2015 was 39.4% or 0.324 and inequality in income 16.1% or 0.512.

Social Progress Index: India’s Quality Of Life improves

  • The measurement of quality of life is critical to understand whether economic growth is fostering social development across the globe or not.
  • It is essential to ranks countries on the basis of government’s effectiveness at meeting basic human needs, at providing a foundation for well-being with basic education and environmental protection, and at creating opportunities for all citizens to make personal choices and reach their full potential.
  • This kind of framework is being used by the Social Progress Imperative to create the Social Progress Index. It is observed that the world incorporating 128 countries scores 64.85 on social progress.
  • It registers a 2.6 percent increase from 2014.
  • The performance is best in Basic Human Needs with a score of 89.62 followed by Foundations of Well-being and Opportunity.
  • The major factors that contribute to the improvements in social progress are increased access to information & Communication and enhanced advanced education landscape. On the other hand, Personal Rights which includes measures of political rights and freedom of expression is declining in most countries.
  • A rapid deterioration of rights, especially in terms of falling political participation and worsening freedom of expression and assembly, points out that the choices of citizens are being threatened.  
  • Also, the advancements in Personal Safety have been intangible. This is mainly due to the reverse changes in the homicide rate and violent crimes which some countries are experiencing.

: Which is the best Indian city to live in?

  • One of the most difficult financial decisions one has to make in life is to decide the place where they would choose to stay. The location one chooses is influenced by a host of pros and cons. The cost of living, the availability of economic opportunities, the quality of life, education facilities, among others are some of the many deciding factors.
  • Mercer, the global human Resources consulting firm, has released its 18th annual Quality of Living Survey, listing 2016 city rankings of best places to live in.
  • Mercer evaluated local living conditions in more than 440 cities surveyed worldwide according to 39 factors, grouped in 10 categories such as political and social Environment, economic environment, socio-cultural environment, medical and Health considerations, schools and education, public Services and transportation, recreation, consumer goods, housing, and natural environment.
  • As per the Mercer ranking, Hyderabad has been ranked as the best city in India to stay in with a ranking of 139 out of 230 cities in the world.
  • Pune has been selected as the second best Indian city with a rank of 144.
  •  Other Indian cities that found a place in the list are: Bangalore (145), Chennai (150), Mumbai (152), Kolkata (160), and New Delhi (161).

Literacy in India

  • The 15th official census in India was calculated in the year 2011. In a country like India, literacy is the main foundation for social and economic growth. When the British rule ended in India in the year 1947 the literacy rate was just 12%.
  • Over the years, India has changed socially, economically, and globally.
  • After the 2011 census, literacy rate India 2011 was found to be 74.04%.
  • Compared to the adult literacy rate here the youth literacy rate is about 9% higher. Though this seems like a very great accomplishment, it is still a matter of concern that still so many people in India cannot even read and write.
  • The numbers of children who do not get education especially in the rural areas are still high. Though the government has made a law that every child under the age of 14 should get free education, the problem of illiteracy is still at large.
  • Now, if we consider female literacy rate in India, then it is lower than the male literacy rate as many parents do not allow their female children to go to schools. They get married off at a young age instead.
  • Though child marriage has been lowered to very low levels, it still happens. Many families, especially in rural areas believe that having a male child is better than having a baby girl. So the male child gets all the benefits.
  • Today, the female literacy levels according to the Literacy Rate 2011 census are 65.46% where the male literacy rate is over 80%.
  • The literacy rate in India has always been a matter of concern but many NGO initiatives and government ads, campaigns and programs are being held to spread awareness amongst people about the importance of literacy. Also the government has made strict rules for female Equality rights. India literacy rate has shown significant rise in the past 10 years.
  • Here are some facts about different states literacy rate, Kerala is the only state in India to have 100% literacy rate. It is followed by Goa, Tripura, Mizoram, Himachal Pradesh, and Maharashtra, Sikkim.
  • The lowest literacy rate in India is seen in the state of Bihar.
  • We also need to think why is the literacy rate is low here in India compared to other developed countries. Basically the Population in India is very high. Being the 7th largest country its population stands 2nd in the world after China. There are over 1 billion people in India.
  • The number of schools and educational centers especially in rural areas is less. Even today many people are below the Poverty Line. Also people aren’t aware that children should get free education according to the law

Standard of living in India

  • Standard of living in India varies from state to state.
  • With one of the fastest growing economies in the world, clocked at a growth rate of 7.6% in 2015, India is on its way to becoming a large and globally important consumer economy.
  • According to Deutsche Bank Research, there are between 30 million and 300 million middle-class people in India. If current trends continue, India’s share of world GDP will significantly increase from 7.3 in 2016 to 8.5 percent of the world share by 2020.
  • In 2011, less than 22 percent of Indians lived under the global poverty line, nearly a 10 percent reduction from 29.8 percent just two years prior in 2009.
  • According to NCAER, India’s middle class population would be 267 million in 2016.
  • Further ahead, by 2025-26 the number of middle class households in India is likely to more than double from the 2015-16 levels to 113.8 million households or 547 million individuals.
  • Another estimate put the Indian middle class as numbering 475 million people by 2030.
  • It is estimated that average real wages will quadruple between 2013 and 2030.
  • The standard of living in India shows large disparity.
  • For example, there is widespread poverty in rural areas of India, where medical care tends to be very basic or unavailable, while cities boast of world class medical establishments. Similarly, the very latest machinery may be used in some construction projects, but many construction workers work without mechanisation in most projects.
  • However, a rural middle class is now emerging in India, with some rural areas seeing increasing prosperity. In general, the southern Indian state of Kerala ranks top for most of the indices.
  • In 2010, the per capita PPP-adjusted GDP for India was US$3,608.

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India has made significant progress in human development over the past few decades. The country has seen a dramatic increase in life expectancy, literacy rates, and access to education and healthcare. However, there are still many challenges that need to be addressed, such as poverty, inequality, and discrimination.

One of the most significant achievements in human development in India has been the increase in life expectancy. In 1960, the average life expectancy in India was just 47 years. By 2019, it had increased to 69 years. This is due in part to improvements in healthcare, such as the expansion of access to basic healthcare services and the introduction of new Vaccines. It is also due to improvements in Nutrition and sanitation.

Another major achievement has been the increase in literacy rates. In 1960, only 18% of adults in India were literate. By 2011, this had increased to 74%. This is due in part to the expansion of access to education, particularly for girls and women. It is also due to the government’s focus on promoting literacy through programs such as the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA).

India has also made progress in reducing poverty. In 1990, the poverty rate in India was 36%. By 2011, it had declined to 22%. This is due in part to economic growth, which has created more jobs and opportunities. It is also due to government programs such as the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural EMPLOYMENT Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), which provides guaranteed employment to rural households.

Despite these achievements, there are still many challenges that need to be addressed. One of the biggest challenges is poverty. While the poverty rate has declined, there are still millions of people in India who live below the poverty line. These people lack access to basic necessities such as food, water, and healthcare.

Another challenge is inequality. India is one of the most unequal countries in the world. The richest 1% of Indians own more than half of the country’s wealth. This inequality is reflected in many areas of life, such as education, healthcare, and employment.

Discrimination is another major challenge. India is a diverse country with a wide range of cultures and religions. However, discrimination based on caste, religion, and gender is still common. This discrimination can limit people’s opportunities and prevent them from reaching their full potential.

Despite these challenges, India has made significant progress in human development over the past few decades. The country has seen a dramatic increase in life expectancy, literacy rates, and access to education and healthcare. However, there are still many challenges that need to be addressed, such as poverty, inequality, and discrimination. The government and civil Society need to work together to address these challenges and ensure that all Indians can enjoy the benefits of human development.

In order to address the challenges of poverty and inequality, the government needs to invest in social programs such as education, healthcare, and employment generation. It also needs to ensure that these programs are accessible to all, regardless of caste, religion, or gender.

The government also needs to address the issue of discrimination. This can be done by enacting laws that prohibit discrimination and by promoting awareness about the issue. Civil society organizations can also play a role in this by advocating for the rights of the marginalized and by providing support to those who have been discriminated against.

By addressing these challenges, India can achieve its goal of becoming a developed country by 2022.

What is human development?

Human development is a process of enlarging people’s choices and improving their well-being. It is a broad concept that encompasses Economic Development, social development, and environmental sustainability.

What are the goals of human development?

The goals of human development are to improve people’s lives and to create a more just and equitable world. The key Elements of human development are:

  • Equity: Human development should be inclusive and should benefit all people, regardless of their race, gender, religion, or social status.
  • Sustainability: Human development should be environmentally sustainable and should not damage the planet for future generations.
  • Participation: Human development should be participatory and should involve people in the decisions that affect their lives.

What are the indicators of human development?

There are many indicators of human development, including:

  • Life expectancy: The average number of years that a person is expected to live.
  • Education: The literacy rate and the number of years of schooling that people have completed.
  • Income: The average income per person.
  • Health: The infant mortality rate and the prevalence of Malnutrition.
  • Gender Equality: The gap between men and women in education, employment, and political participation.

What are the challenges to human development?

There are many challenges to human development, including:

  • Poverty: Over 700 million people live in extreme poverty, on less than $1.90 a day.
  • Hunger: Over 800 million people do not have enough food to eat.
  • Inequality: The gap between the rich and the poor is growing wider in many countries.
  • Conflict: Over 100 million people have been displaced by conflict.
  • Climate change: Climate Change is a major threat to human development, as it is leading to more extreme weather events, sea level rise, and food insecurity.

What are the successes of human development?

Despite the challenges, there have been many successes in human development in recent decades. For example, the number of people living in extreme poverty has halved since 1990. The literacy rate has increased from 60% to 84%. And the average life expectancy has increased from 60 years to 70 years.

What is the future of human development?

The future of human development depends on the choices that we make today. We need to invest in education, health, and social protection. We need to promote gender equality and reduce inequality. And we need to address the challenges of climate change and conflict. If we make the right choices, we can create a world where everyone has the opportunity to live a long, healthy, and fulfilling life.

1. Which of the following is not a human development goal?
(A) To eradicate extreme poverty and hunger
(B) To achieve universal primary education
(C) To promote gender equality and empower women
(D) To reduce child mortality
(E) To improve maternal health

2. Which of the following is not a human development indicator?
(A) Life expectancy at birth
(B) Adult literacy rate
(C) Gross national income per capita
(D) Human Development Index
(E) Proportion of population with access to Safe drinking water

3. Which of the following countries has the highest human development index?
(A) Norway
(B) Switzerland
(C) Australia
(D) Denmark
(E) Iceland

4. Which of the following countries has the lowest human development index?
(A) Niger
(B) Central African Republic
(C) Chad
(D) Somalia
(E) South Sudan

5. Which of the following is not a factor that contributes to human development?
(A) Education
(B) Health
(C) Income
(D) Gender equality
(E) Environment

6. Which of the following is not a Millennium Development Goal?
(A) To eradicate extreme poverty and hunger
(B) To achieve universal primary education
(C) To promote gender equality and empower women
(D) To reduce child mortality
(E) To improve maternal health

7. Which of the following is not a Sustainable Development Goal?
(A) To end poverty in all its forms everywhere
(B) To end hunger, achieve Food Security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture
(C) To ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
(D) To ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong Learning opportunities for all
(E) To achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls

8. Which of the following is not a target of the Sustainable Development Goal 1?
(A) By 2030, eradicate extreme poverty for all people everywhere, currently measured as people living on less than $1.90 a day
(B) By 2030, reduce by at least half the proportion of men, women and children of all ages living in poverty in all its dimensions according to national definitions
(C) By 2030, ensure that all men and women, particularly the poor and vulnerable, have equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to basic services, ownership and control over land and other forms of property, inheritance, Natural Resources, appropriate new technology and financial services, including microfinance
(D) By 2030, build resilient Infrastructure-2/”>INFRASTRUCTURE, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation, and significantly increase access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all
(E) By 2030, promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all

9. Which of the following is not a target of the Sustainable Development Goal 3?
(A) By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment, and promote mental health and well-being
(B) By 2030, end preventable deaths of newborns and children under 5 years of age, with all countries aiming to reduce neonatal mortality to as low as 12 per 1,000 live births and under-5 mortality to as low as 25 per 1,000 live births
(C) By 2030, achieve universal health coverage, including access to essential medicines and vaccines for all
(D) By 2030, strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol
(E) By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment, and promote mental health and well-being

10. Which of the following is not a target of the Sustainable Development Goal 4?
(A) By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes
(B) By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys have access to quality early childhood development, care and pre-primary education so that they are ready for primary education
(C) By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational and tertiary education, including university education
(D) By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment,