Why did human development fail to keep pace with economic development in India? ( 2023 PYQ, 15 Marks )

Q : Why did human development fail to keep pace with economic development in India?  ( 2023 PYQ, 15 Marks )

Introduction : 

Despite India's High GDP growth Since 1990, its Human Development Index [HDI] ranks 134th , revealing mismatch between Economic progress and Human Welfare.

Main Body : 

Reasons for divergence between economic and human development

Dimension	Issues
1. Unequal Growth Distribution	Economic gains are concentrated among the upper-income groups and urban areas, leading to persistent regional and social disparities.
2. Jobless Growth	High GDP growth in sectors like IT and services hasn’t created enough quality jobs — over 45% workforce remains in low-productivity agriculture.
3. Poor Social Sector Investment	Public expenditure on health (~1.9% of GDP) and education (~3% of GDP) remains low compared to global standards.
4. Gender and Social Inequalities	Gender gaps in literacy, labour participation, and wages hinder inclusive human development.
5. Weak Governance and Implementation	Leakages, inefficiencies, and bureaucratic delays reduce the effectiveness of welfare schemes.
6. Environmental and Nutritional Challenges	Pollution, poor sanitation, and malnutrition (over one-third of children stunted) affect life expectancy and productivity.

Way Forward : 

• Inclusive Growth Policies – Promote labour-intensive industries and MSMEs to generate equitable employment.
• Enhanced Social Spending – Increase public investment in health, education, and social protection to at least global average levels.
• Gender-Responsive Development – Strengthen women’s participation through targeted schemes and education reforms.
• Decentralised Governance – Empower local bodies for context-specific human development interventions.
• Green and Sustainable Growth – Balance industrial expansion with environmental sustainability.
• Skill and Innovation Focus – Link education with employability to make growth human-capital driven.

Bridging India’s economic–human development gap demands a pragmatic, inclusive, and visionary approach — one that transforms economic prosperity into genuine social well-being and human capability expansion.