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The Indian government plans to develop a human development index (HDI) for 75 PVTGs.

About

• Governments, researchers, and international organizations use the HDI as a statistical tool to measure and compare the average achievements in human development across different countries.
• The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) created the HDI.
• The index allows for comparisons among countries, aiding policymakers and researchers to understand the overall development status of a country and to identify areas for improvement.

Dimensions

• Health: Life expectancy at birth.
• Education: The average number of years of schooling received by adults aged 25 and older, as well as the expected years of schooling for children of school age.

• Standard of living: Gross National Income (GNI) per capita, adjusted for purchasing power parity (PPP).
• The HDI combines these three dimensions into a single composite index, which ranges from 0 to 1.

Significance of Human Development Index

1. Life expectancy at birth: This dimension reflects the overall health and well-being of a population. Countries with higher life expectancies generally have better healthcare systems, access to clean water and sanitation, and lower rates of disease and mortality.
2. Education: This dimension includes indicators such as mean years of schooling and expected years of schooling. It measures the accessibility and quality of education within a country, as well as the level of educational attainment among its population.
3. Gross national income (GNI) per capita: This dimension focuses on the economic well-being of individuals within a country. GNI per capita takes into account the overall income generated within a country and divides it by the population, providing an estimate of the average income level.

The HDI is considered significant for several reasons:

1. Comparative analysis: The HDI allows for the comparison of human development across different countries. By providing a single composite measure, it enables policymakers, researchers, and international organizations to identify trends, gaps, and disparities in development and target areas that require attention.
2. Policy formulation and monitoring: Governments can use the HDI to assess their country’s progress and development over time. It aids in identifying areas requiring investments and interventions to improve education, healthcare, and income levels. The HDI can serve as a guide for policy formulation and resource allocation.
3. The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) closely align with the Human Development Index (HDI), specifically addressing Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being), Goal 4 (Quality Education), and Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). It provides a framework for tracking progress toward these goals at a national and global level.
4. Global rankings: The HDI generates global rankings that garner attention and influence international perceptions. Countries strive to improve their HDI rankings as it can enhance their reputation, attract investments, and strengthen diplomatic relations.
5. The HDI has played a significant role in raising awareness about the importance of human development as a central goal of society.The HDI emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach that surpasses economic growth and centers on enhancing the well-being and opportunities available to individuals.

Read also:- Wide Disparities in Human Development in India