The UN recognizes India’s remarkable strides in life expectancy and per capita income, with significant improvements in key human development indicators.
In 2022, India has shown some impressive improvements in various human development indicators. The average life expectancy in the country has increased to 67.7 years, which is definitely good news and shows advancements in healthcare and overall well-being.
Not just that, India’s gross national income per capita has also seen a significant growth, reaching $6951. This indicates a 6.3% increase in just a year, reflecting positive economic progress within the country.
Moreover, the expected years of schooling for individuals in India have gone up to 12.6 years, indicating a better focus on education and skill development.
India’s ranking of 134 out of 193 in the UN’s Human Development Index places it in the ‘medium human development’ category. The country’s 2022 HDI score of 0.644 marks a positive change of 48.4% from 1990, showcasing steady improvement over the years.
India has also made strides in reducing gender inequality, with a Gender Inequality Index of 0.437. However, there are still challenges, such as a significant gender gap in labor force participation rates that need to be addressed.
While India has shown progress, it’s important to note that global HDI values have actually fallen for two consecutive years, impacting efforts towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals. The Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated global inequality and political polarization, disproportionately affecting the most vulnerable populations in terms of human development levels.
India’s progress in human development metrics is commendable, but there is still work to be done to bridge the gaps and ensure inclusive growth for all segments of society. Other South Asian countries like Nepal and Bhutan also face challenges in human development, sharing the ‘medium human development’ category with India.
The global decrease in HDI value for the first time in two years underscores the need for concerted efforts to address inequalities and disparities, both within and between countries, to create a more sustainable and equitable world for all.