Team Blitz India
NEW DELHI: The UNDP’s top man in India has lauded India’s advancements on the Human Development Index (HDI) showcasing the nation’s notable strides in various development realms.
The country has witnessed significant improvements in key indicators since 1990. “India has shown remarkable progress in human development over the years.” said Caitlin Wiesen, UNDP’s representative for India.
The 2023-24 Human Development Report (HDR) titled “Breaking the Gridlock: Reimagining Cooperation in a Polarised World” delves into India’s trajectory within the global context. Despite a global trend of declining HDI values for two consecutive years, India stands out for its resilience and progress.
HDI ranking improves
Key highlights include a 9.1-year increase in life expectancy at birth, a rise of 4.6 years in expected years of schooling, and a growth of 3.8 years in mean years of schooling. Additionally, India’s Gross National Income (GNI) per capita has surged by approximately 287 per cent. Notably, India’s HDI ranking for 2022 has slightly improved, now at 134 out of 193 countries, compared to its previous rank of 135 out of 191 nations in 2021.
However, the HDR also underscores a sobering reality: while wealthier nations continue to advance, many of the world’s poorest countries struggle to recover their pre-crisis development levels. Within this narrative, India’s classification under the medium human development bracket in the latest HDR signifies a significant rise in its HDI value over the years, demonstrating commendable growth.
India’s progress spans across all HDI indicators, including life expectancy, education, and Gross National Income (GNI) per capita. From modest gains in life expectancy to substantial growth in mean years of schooling, India’s developmental journey is characterized by steady improvement.
Gender Inequality Index
Moreover, the report highlights India’s endeavors to tackle gender inequality. With an improved standing on the Gender Inequality Index (GII) for 2022, India now ranks 108th out of 193 countries, marking a noteworthy leap from its previous rank of 122. The nation’s strides in reducing gender inequality are evident, with its GII value surpassing global and South Asian averages.
India’s achievements in reproductive health are particularly noteworthy, surpassing other countries in the medium human development group or South Asia. With a positive decline in adolescent birth rates, India’s commitment to addressing gender disparities is apparent.
