Hindu Editorial Analysis : 13-May-2024
Development is a term that resonates strongly in political discussions, especially during election times. Political parties often promise progress and better living conditions for the people. But what does development really mean? At its core, development refers to creating a favorable environment where ordinary people can grow and enhance their abilities.
What is Human Development?
The concept of human development was introduced by Dr. Mahbub-ul-Haq, who, alongside Prof. Amartya Sen, contributed to the first Human Development Reports. The main goal of human development is to create conditions that allow individuals to lead meaningful lives. It focuses on:
- Enlarging Choices: Providing people with more options in life.
- Improving Quality of Life: Ensuring better health, education, and economic opportunities for everyone.
Recent Data on Human Development
The Human Development Report 2023-24, released by the United Nations Development Programme, evaluates global progress in this area.
- In 2022, India ranked 134 out of 193 countries on the Human Development Index (HDI), improving slightly from 135 out of 192 in 2021.
- Between 1990 and 2022, India’s HDI value increased by 48.4%, from 0.434 to 0.644.
Despite this progress, India still lags behind its neighbors, including Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and China.
Income Inequality
A study by the World Inequality Lab highlighted alarming trends in income distribution:
- The bottom 50% of the population received only 15% of national income in 2022-23.
- The top 1% earned an average of 5.3 million, which is 23 times the average income of an Indian.
Gender Inequality
India’s performance on the Gender Inequality Index has improved, ranking 108 out of 193 countries in 2022, up from 122 out of 191 in 2021. However, significant challenges remain:
- There is a 47.8% gap in labor force participation between women (28.3%) and men (76.1%).
Economic Concerns
India is facing economic challenges as well:
- Household debt reached a record 40% of GDP by December 2023.
- Net financial savings dropped to 5.2% of GDP.
Challenges Ahead
Many factors hinder human development in India:
- Climate Change: Inaction on climate issues affects everyone.
- Digital Divide: Lack of access to technology increases inequality.
- Poverty and Inequality: High poverty levels and low literacy rates contribute to these challenges.
Since 2020, the gap between high and low HDI countries has been widening, worsening global inequality.
Why In News
The promise of development has emerged as a rallying point for political parties during elections, as they seek to connect with voters’ aspirations for a better future and improved living conditions.
MCQs about Human Development
- What is the main goal of human development ?
A. To increase national income
B. To create conditions for meaningful lives
C. To enhance political power
D. To improve technological advancements
- Which country did India rank behind in the Human Development Index (HDI) as of 2022?
A. Nepal
B. Bhutan
C. Maldives
D. Pakistan
- According to the World Inequality Lab study mentioned in the essay, what percentage of national income did the bottom 50% of the population receive in 2022-23?
A. 10%
B. 15%
C. 20%
D. 25%
- What significant economic concern was noted in the essay regarding household debt in India?
A. It decreased to 30% of GDP
B. It reached a record high of 40% of GDP
C. It stabilized at 25% of GDP
D. It increased by 10%
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