In the recently released 2019 Human Development Index (HDI), India secured the 129th position out of 189 countries. The index, a part of the Human Development Report by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), showed India climbing one rank up from its 130th position in 2018. The HDI considers numerous factors, including measures related to longevity, knowledge, and living standards, rather than focusing exclusively on economic growth.
Components of the 2019 Human Development Index
The 2019 HDI consists of several other indices, including the Inequality-adjusted Human Development Index (IHDI), Gender Development Index (GDI), Gender Inequality Index (GII), and Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI). These indices serve different purposes and provide a more comprehensive overview of a country’s human development status. The primary theme for the 2019 Report was ‘Inequality in Human Development.’
Top Ranking Countries in 2019 HDI
Norway, Switzerland, and Ireland occupied the top three positions respectively in the 2019 HDI. While Germany held the fourth rank along with Hong Kong, Australia secured the fifth position globally.
Performance of India and Neighboring Countries
Among India’s neighbors, Sri Lanka (71) and China (85) ranked higher, while Bhutan (134), Bangladesh (135), Myanmar (145), Nepal (147), Pakistan (152), and Afghanistan (170) ranked lower.
Regional Human Development Growth
Region-wise, South Asia marked the fastest-growing region in human development progress with a growth rate of 46% over 1990-2018. East Asia and the Pacific followed closely with a 43% growth rate.
India’s Performance
In India, the HDI value increased by 50% (from 0.431 to 0.647), positioning it above the average for other South Asian countries (0.642). From 1990 to 2018, India’s life expectancy at birth grew by 11.6 years, while mean years of schooling rose by 3.5 years, and expected years of schooling by 4.7 years. During this period, per capita incomes also increased by over 250%.
| Life Expectancy Increase | Schooling Years Increase | Expected Schooling Years Increase | Income Rise |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11.6 years | 3.5 years | 4.7 years | Over 250% |
Inequality-adjusted Human Development Index
The IHDI, an indicator showing percentage loss in HDI due to inequality, saw India’s rank slip by one position to 130. However, India’s IHDI score improved from 0.468 in 2018 to 0.477.
Gender Development and Inequality Indices
The GDI measures HDI disparities based on gender. Here, India fared marginally better than the South Asian average (0.829 vs 0.828). However, in terms of GII, which uses three parameters: reproductive health, empowerment, and labor market, India ranked 122nd among 162 countries. Neighbors like China (39), Sri Lanka (86), Bhutan (99), Myanmar (106) were placed higher.
Gender Equality: A Global Perspective
The HDI report highlighted persistent group-based inequalities, particularly affecting women and girls. It stated that no place in the world has achieved gender equality yet. As per UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, the world is not on track to achieve gender equality by 2030. The report also introduced a “social norms index,” indicating how prejudices and social beliefs inhibit gender equality.
Future Inequalities
The report emphasized that future inequalities could arise from climate change and technological advancement, potentially deepening existing social and economic divisions.
Multidimensional Poverty Index
The MPI measures multiple deprivations that people in developing countries face. According to it, India accounts for 28% of the 1.3 billion multidimensional poor worldwide. This figure reflects the various challenges faced in health, education, and standard of living at a given time.