Human Development Index (HDI)
The Human Development Index (HDI) is a composite statistic developed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to assess and rank countries based on human development levels. It was introduced in the 1990 Human Development Report by Mahbub ul Haq and Amartya Sen. HDI shifts the focus of development discussions from economic growth alone to include people's well-being and capabilities.
Components of HDI:
- Life Expectancy Index:
Measures average life expectancy at birth, reflecting the ability to lead a long and healthy life. - Education Index:
- Mean years of schooling (average years of education received by people aged 25 and older).
- Expected years of schooling (total years of schooling a child entering school can expect).
- Standard of Living:
Assessed using Gross National Income (GNI) per capita (PPP-adjusted).
Significance:
- Provides a holistic approach to measuring development.
- Highlights inequalities in health, education, and income.
- Acts as a policy tool to guide governments in prioritizing investments in human capital.
India's Performance:
In the 2023 Human Development Report, India ranked 132 out of 191 countries with an HDI value of 0.633, categorized under "medium human development." India's life expectancy is 70.1 years, mean years of schooling are 6.7 years, and GNI per capita is $7,100 (PPP-adjusted).
Current Affairs:
- The COVID-19 pandemic impacted India's education and health indicators, causing fluctuations in HDI rankings.
- Government initiatives like PM-Ayushman Bharat, NEP 2020, and Skill India Mission aim to improve India's HDI components.
- The G20 Summit 2023, under India's presidency, emphasized inclusive human-centric development, aligning with HDI goals.
HDI remains a critical measure of progress, urging nations to balance economic growth with human well-being.