The latest UNDP Human Development Report 2025 has been released. India’s HDI value has improved, but the country still falls in the Medium Human Development category.
Human Development Index (HDI)
- HDI is a global measure created by UNDP to assess development based on people’s well-being, not just economic growth.
- It evaluates quality of life through health, education, and income indicators.
- Introduced in 1990, inspired by Mahbub ul Haq and Amartya Sen’s work.
Components of HDI
- Health: Measured through life expectancy at birth, Shows access to medical care, nutrition, and living conditions
- Education: Mean years of schooling, Expected years of schooling, Reflects learning outcomes and skill development
- Standard of Living: GNI per capita (PPP), Captures income and economic opportunities available to citizens
How HDI is Calculated (Simple Steps)
- Indexes for health, education, and income are computed
- A geometric mean of the three gives HDI score (0 to 1 scale)
- Higher score = better human development
India’s HDI Performance
- Rank: ~130 out of 193 countries (2025 report)
- HDI Value: Increased to 0.685
- Long-term progress (1990–2023):
- Life expectancy: 58.6 → ~72 years
- Mean schooling: 3 → 6.2 years
- GNI per capita (PPP): $2,000 → ~$9,000
- Large variations across states:
- High HDI: Kerala, Goa, Himachal Pradesh
- Low HDI: Bihar, UP, Jharkhand
Government Initiatives Improving HDI
- Ayushman Bharat: free healthcare
- NEP 2020: education reforms
- Skill India Mission: employment skills
- PM-KISAN, PM Awas Yojana: rural support
- Beti Bachao Beti Padhao: girl empowerment
- Digital India: tech-driven governance
Inequality-Adjusted HDI (IHDI)
- Inequality reduces India’s HDI by ~31%
- Low female workforce participation, education, and representation reflected in Gender Inequality Index
Conclusion:
To achieve high human development status, India must continue investing in human capital, reduce inequality, and ensure inclusive growth across all regions and communities.
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