India’s SDG Focus and Human Development Issues (GS Paper 3, Economy)
Context
- Achieving sustainable development requires a robust focus on human development.
- The G-20 Summit held in New Delhi on September 9-10, 2023, underscored this by committing to accelerate the implementation of the UN Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development.
- Following this, the UN hosted an SDG Summit on September 18-19, 2023, to review progress on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- These discussions emphasize the critical role of human development in achieving sustainable outcomes.
Understanding Human Development
The concept of human development, as articulated by Nobel laureate Amartya Sen in his work "Development as Freedom," focuses on expanding individuals' freedoms and capabilities. His capability approach asserts that development should enhance our ability to lead lives we value, with key elements including:
- Freedom from Hunger and Ill Health: Ensuring basic health and nutrition.
- Gender and Income Equality: Promoting fairness across all demographics.
- Access to Quality Education: Providing educational opportunities that empower individuals.
These elements collectively contribute to achieving both human and sustainable development.
Relationship Between Human Development and SDGs
The Human Development Index (HDI), developed by the UNDP, evaluates three fundamental dimensions:
- Long and Healthy Life: Measured by life expectancy at birth.
- Knowledge: Assessed through expected and mean years of schooling.
- Decent Standard of Living: Evaluated via income per capita.
These dimensions are closely aligned with several key SDGs:
- SDG 3: Good health and well-being.
- SDG 4: Quality education.
- SDG 5: Gender equality.
- SDG 8: Decent work and economic growth.
- SDG 10: Reduced inequalities.
Countries aiming for sustainable development must prioritize enhancing human development across these dimensions.
India’s Human Development Ranking
- According to the Human Development Report (HDR) 2023-24, India ranks 134 out of 193 countries with an HDI value of 0.644, placing it in the medium human development category.
- Notably, India's HDI has shown limited progress, with values stagnating at 0.638 in 2019-20 and falling to 0.633 in 2021 before improving to 0.644 in 2022.
- Comparatively, several neighboring countries boast higher HDI rankings: Malaysia (63), Thailand (66), China (75), Sri Lanka (78), Indonesia (112), Bhutan (125), and Bangladesh (129).
HDI Growth from 1990 to 2022
- India's HDI value has increased significantly, rising by 48.4% from 0.434 in 1990 to 0.644 in 2022.
- However, during 2015-2022, India only improved by four ranks, while countries like Bangladesh and Bhutan improved by 12 and 10 ranks, respectively.
- The COVID-19 pandemic has been a significant factor in hindering progress, impacting key areas such as education and income.
Gender Disparities in Human Development
The Gender Development Index (GDI) provides insights into gender disparities in human development. Among the 42 medium human development countries, India ranks poorly in gender equality, alongside Bangladesh and Nepal, with a significant gap in HDI achievements between genders.
- Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR): India has one of the largest gender gaps in LFPR, with a 47.8 percentage point difference between women (28.3%) and men (76.1%). This low participation rate is concerning compared to neighboring countries, where female participation rates are significantly higher: China (53.6%), Bhutan (53.5%), and Bangladesh (39.2%).
- Recent Trends: According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2022-23, around 37% of working-age females were in the labor force, a rise from 23.3% in 2017-18. However, the increase in rural areas (from 24.6% to 41.5%) starkly contrasts with minimal growth in urban areas (from 20.4% to 25.4%), indicating a need for targeted policy interventions.
Conclusion: Addressing Income Inequality
- Beyond gender disparities, India faces rising income inequality.
- The wealthiest 1% hold 21.7% of the total income, significantly higher than in neighboring countries like Bangladesh (11.6%) and China (15.7%).
- This level of inequality is also above global and regional averages, making it imperative for India to tackle these issues.
- To achieve the SDGs, India must prioritize both gender equality and income disparity reduction.
- Addressing these human development challenges is essential for fostering a more equitable society, ultimately leading to sustainable growth and improved living standards for all citizens.
- Through targeted policies and initiatives, India can enhance its human development outcomes and align more closely with the global sustainable development agenda.
