INDIA CLIMBS HDI RANKINGS

GS-2: Welfare Schemes

Key Highlights

• India improved to 130th out of 193 countries in the 2025 Human Development Report, up from 133 in 2022.
• India’s HDI value increased to 0.685 in 2023 (from 0.676 in 2022), reflecting post-pandemic recovery.
• Life expectancy reached a record 72 years, and GNI per capita rose to $9,046.76.
• Programs like MGNREGA, RTE, and NRHM have driven progress.
• Rising income and gender inequalities reduced HDI by 30.7%, posing a significant concern.

Detailed Insights

• Educational Progress: Average schooling years for children rose to 13 years, up from 8.2 in 1990.
• Poverty Reduction: Between 2015 and 2021, 13.5 crore people escaped multidimensional poverty.
• Female Labour Force Participation: Increased to 41.7% in 2023-24, but retention and political representation remain weak.
• Legislative Lag: Women’s reservation in legislatures is yet to be implemented despite constitutional amendments.
• Structural Gaps: Marginalized children still lack access to quality education, hindering further HDI growth.
• AI and Human Development: Women now make up 20% of AI researchers in India (up from nearly 0% in 2019).
• AI’s Role: Seen as transformative for development, but ethical safeguards are needed to prevent new inequalities.

Scientific/Technical Concepts Involved

• Human Development Index (HDI): A composite measure of health, education, and income levels.
• Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI): Assesses deprivations in health, education, and living standards.
• AI in Development: Application of Artificial Intelligence in sectors like agriculture, healthcare, and education.

Significance

• Demonstrates India’s resilience in recovering from pandemic setbacks.
• Highlights structural inequalities that limit inclusive growth.
• Emphasizes the need for female empowerment and political inclusion to sustain HDI progress.
• Points to AI’s transformative potential and associated risks in development.