The 2025 Human Development Report by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) marks trends in India’s human development. Despite challenges, India has made notable progress in health, education, and income. However, issues of inequality persist, impacting overall development.
Human Development Index Overview
The Human Development Index (HDI) measures a country’s social and economic development. India’s HDI score improved from 0.676 to 0.685, marking a rise in rank from 133 to 130 among 193 nations. This improvement indicates a gradual approach towards achieving the high human development threshold of 0.700.
Key Factors for Improvement
Several factors contributed to India’s HDI enhancement. Life expectancy reached a record high of 72 years. Gross national income per capita increased , more than quadrupling since 1990. Additionally, improvements in mean years of schooling and poverty reduction played crucial roles in this progress.
Challenges of Inequality
Despite advancements, inequality remains a major barrier. The report revealed that inequality reduced India’s HDI score by 30.7 per cent, one of the highest losses in Asia. Issues such as low female labour force participation and political representation hinder inclusive growth. However, a constitutional amendment reserving one-third of legislative seats for women is a positive step towards addressing this.
Focus on Inclusion
Angela Lusigi, UNDP India’s Resident Representative, emphasised the need for a sharper focus on inclusion. She brought into light that sustained improvements in key dimensions of human development are essential. A renewed emphasis on women-led development, quality education, and accessible healthcare can facilitate continued progress.
India as a Global AI Leader
India is emerging as a leader in artificial intelligence (AI). The report noted the highest self-reported AI skills penetration among its population. AI applications are already supporting farmers, enhancing healthcare access, and providing skills training. However, the benefits of technology depend on strategic governance and investment.
Global Context
The UNDP report also pointed out that globally, human development progress has slowed to its weakest pace since 1990. Had pre-pandemic trends continued, the world would have been on track to achieve very high human development by 2030. The current trajectory risks delaying this goal by decades.
Future Directions
To sustain progress, India must address the inequalities that impede development. Investing in inclusive policies and leveraging technology for social good will be crucial. The focus should remain on enhancing the quality of education and healthcare to ensure equitable growth.
Questions for UPSC:
- Examine the impact of gender inequality on human development in India.
- Discuss the role of artificial intelligence in enhancing agricultural productivity in India.
- Critically discuss the relationship between economic growth and human development in the context of India.
- With suitable examples, discuss the global trends in human development and their implications for developing nations.
Answer Hints:
1. Examine the impact of gender inequality on human development in India.
- Gender inequality reduces India’s HDI score by 30.7%, denoting a major setback in development.
- Low female labour force participation limits economic contributions and exacerbates poverty levels.
- Political representation of women remains low, affecting policy decisions that could enhance gender equality.
- Recent constitutional amendments reserving seats for women in legislation are steps toward improving representation.
- Addressing gender inequality is crucial for achieving inclusive growth and maximizing human development potential.
2. Discuss the role of artificial intelligence in enhancing agricultural productivity in India.
- AI technologies support farmers by providing data-driven insights for better crop management and yield optimization.
- AI applications enhance precision farming, helping in resource management like water and fertilizers.
- AI facilitates access to weather forecasts and market trends, aiding farmers in decision-making.
- Training programs using AI improve farmers’ skills, making them more competitive in the market.
- Investment in AI governance is essential to ensure equitable access and benefits for all farmers.
3. Critically discuss the relationship between economic growth and human development in the context of India.
- India’s economic growth has led to increased gross national income per capita, contributing to improved HDI scores.
- However, economic growth alone does not guarantee equitable distribution of wealth, as seen in persistent inequalities.
- Human development encompasses health, education, and income, necessitating a holistic approach beyond mere GDP growth.
- Increased investments in education and healthcare are vital for translating economic growth into human development.
- Policies must focus on inclusive growth to ensure that all segments of society benefit from economic advancements.
4. With suitable examples, discuss the global trends in human development and their implications for developing nations.
- Globally, human development progress has slowed, with the UNDP indicating the weakest pace since 1990.
- Developing nations face challenges such as inequality and lack of access to education and healthcare, impacting their HDI scores.
- Examples like India’s recent HDI improvements show that targeted policies can lead to progress despite global trends.
- Investment in technology, such as AI, can help developing countries leapfrog traditional barriers to development.
- Addressing global inequalities is essential for achieving sustainable development goals and improving human well-being.
