The Human Development Index (HDI) is a comprehensive measure introduced by the UNDP to evaluate the progress of countries across three critical dimensions:
• Health, assessed through life expectancy at birth
• Education, gauged by expected and mean years of schooling
• Standard of living, indicated by Gross National Income (GNI) per capita in PPP terms.
In the latest report, India holds the 130th position among 193 countries, marking an improvement of three places compared to the previous year. This advancement is attributed to increased life expectancy and moderate upgrades in education and income metrics.
The following are India's scores on various HDI parameters for 2023:
• Overall HDI score: 0.685
• Life expectancy at birth: 72 years
• Expected years of schooling: 13 years
• Mean years of schooling: 6.9 years
• GNI per capita (PPP): $9,047
Life expectancy has become a significant contributor to India's rising rank. Enhanced public health spending, initiatives like national health missions, immunisation programmes, and improved access to healthcare have collectively increased life expectancy from 71.7 years in 2022 to 72 years in 2023.
The HDI also reflects inequality, showcasing how various demographic groups (particularly by gender, income, and region) access education, healthcare, and income opportunities. A high degree of inequality can severely diminish the HDI value when adjusted for disparities.
India ranks 102nd out of 193 countries on the Gender Inequality Index. Key statistics include:
• Female life expectancy: 73.6 years; Male: 70.5 years
• Mean years of schooling: 5.8 for females, 8 for males
• Labour force participation: 35.1% for women versus 76.4% for men
• Adolescent birth rate: 16.3 births per 1,000 women aged 15–19
Income disparities are stark, with GNI per capita showing $13,273 for males against $4,543 for females. This disparity indicates both wage inequality and a lower female participation rate in the formal workforce. Additionally, regional income gaps and urban-rural divides persist.
According to UNDP findings, both income and gender inequality lead to a 30.7% reduction in India's HDI value, which is among the highest in South Asia. Eliminating these inequalities would significantly elevate India's HDI.
Several government initiatives have been implemented to tackle inequality, including:
• MGNREGA for rural employment
• Jan Dhan Yojana for banking access
• Right to Education and NEP 2020 to enhance schooling years
• Direct Benefit Transfers and Ujjwala Yojana for welfare delivery
Despite these efforts, gaps in implementation remain, particularly in remote and underdeveloped regions.
To elevate India into the high human development category, several measures are essential:
• Enhance quality and access to secondary and higher education
• Close the gender wage and employment gap
• Invest in women's health and childcare
• Mitigate regional and caste-based disparities in service access
• Promote digital inclusion and targeted poverty reduction
Q1. What is the significance of the Human Development Index?
Answer: The HDI is crucial for assessing a country's overall development based on health, education, and living standards, providing a broader understanding beyond economic metrics.
Q2. How does India’s HDI ranking affect its global standing?
Answer: India's HDI ranking impacts its reputation and influence globally. A higher rank can attract foreign investment and partnerships, fostering development.
Q3. What role does education play in improving HDI?
Answer: Education significantly impacts HDI by enhancing skills, increasing employability, and improving health and living conditions, essential for overall development.
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