Human Development

Learning Outcomes:

1. Understand the multifaceted aspects of human development.
2. Comprehend the interrelationship between development, social justice, and environmental sustainability.
3. Examine key indicators like education, health, and income in human development.
4. Grasp India’s standing on the Human Development Index.

Development Paradoxes

Rekha’s story highlights how development can be paradoxical. While modern amenities like industrialization and computerization are seen as signs of development, many are still left behind. Cities like Delhi, despite their development, reveal stark contrasts between the affluent and the underprivileged. This juxtaposition of growth and inequality raises important questions: Does development benefit only some, or is it inclusive?

1. Development often favors a select few regions and individuals, resulting in poverty and malnutrition for many.
2. Ecological degradation is a common byproduct of rapid development.
3. The notion that development equals freedom is prevalent but can be misleading, as development might not address social injustice or regional disparities.
4. Development is often viewed through a western lens, which may not align with the realities of many nations, especially postcolonial ones.

Important Note: Development, when viewed narrowly, risks exacerbating inequality and environmental crises.

Human Development: Concept and Global Efforts

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), through its Human Development Report (HDR), has redefined development to include broader aspects beyond economic growth, such as healthcare, education, and political freedom.

1. The HDR, first published in 1990, introduced the concept of human development as the process of expanding people’s choices.
2. Key indicators of human development include living a long and healthy life, being educated, and having access to resources for a decent standard of living.
3. According to the 1993 Human Development Report, democratization and empowerment are crucial for true development.

Important Concept: “Development must be woven around people, not people around development.”

Human Development in India

India, ranked 130th globally on the Human Development Index (HDI) with a composite score of 0.640, presents a case of uneven development.

1. India’s HDI places it in the category of medium human development. However, concerns arise from the indicators and factors used to calculate this ranking.
2. The Planning Commission of India has developed state-level Human Development Reports, which evaluate development at the district level using indicators such as economic attainment and social justice.

Note: Historical factors like colonization and discrimination are critical to understanding India’s development issues.

Economic Attainment Indicators

Economic attainment is a key indicator of human development, focusing on access to resources, employment, and income distribution.

1. Gross National Product (GNP) and per capita income are traditional measures of economic well-being.
2. India’s per capita income has risen, and there has been a decline in poverty levels. The poverty line in India was 21.9% as of 2011-12.
3. Poverty rates vary across states, with Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand having the highest poverty levels, while states like Kerala and Goa show low poverty rates.

Healthy Life Indicators

A healthy life is another critical aspect of human development, focusing on healthcare access and life expectancy.

1. Key health indicators include infant mortality rate, life expectancy, and access to medical facilities.
2. The Swachh Bharat Mission aims to address health issues caused by poor sanitation and pollution, promoting a clean environment and clean energy solutions.

Note: The Swachh Bharat Mission is crucial for improving public health through sanitation and clean energy.

Education and Literacy

Literacy is a fundamental element of human development, as education enhances individuals’ empowerment and capability to make informed choices.

1. As of 2011, India’s literacy rate stood at 74.04%, with female literacy significantly lower at 65.46%.
2. There is a wide regional disparity in literacy rates across states, with Kerala and Mizoram achieving high literacy rates of over 90%, while Bihar remains low at 63.82%.

Social Empowerment

Social empowerment is crucial for human development, ensuring freedom from poverty, illiteracy, and bondage.

1. Empowerment enables individuals to exercise their capabilities and choices in society.
2. The Planning Commission of India emphasizes social justice and distributive fairness in development policies.
3. States like Kerala, with high literacy and social empowerment, outperform states like Bihar and Madhya Pradesh on the HDI.

Environmental Sustainability and Development

Environmental sustainability is integral to development, with the balance between population and resources becoming a central issue.

1. Environmentalists argue that development must maintain a balance between resource use and population growth.
2. Scholars like Malthus warned about the growing scarcity of resources in relation to population growth.
3. Mahatma Gandhi emphasized the need for nonviolence, self-reliance, and trusteeship in managing resources.

Human Development Index (HDI) in India

India’s HDI values and ranks are an important measure of the country’s overall development.

1. Kerala ranks highest with an HDI value of 0.790, while Bihar ranks lowest at 0.367.
2. States with high economic development and literacy rates, like Kerala and Delhi, rank higher on the HDI, while Bihar and Chhattisgarh lag.

Population, Environment, and Development

The relationship between population, environment, and development is complex and intertwined.

1. UNDP recognizes the role of civil societies in promoting peace and development.
2. Neo-Malthusians believe that resource scarcity poses a threat to development, while others argue that social distribution of resources is the real issue.
3. India’s rich cultural and civilizational heritage emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to development, advocating harmony between population and resources.

Important Note: Mahatma Gandhi’s views on development remain relevant, emphasizing nonviolence and social harmony.

MCQ:
Which state in India has the highest Human Development Index (HDI) value?

• Kerala (Answer).