The Financial Express
Friday, July 16, 2004
HDI Improves, Ranking Doesn't
OUR POLICY BUREAU
Posted online: Friday, July 16, 2004 at 0103 hours IST
NEW DELHI, JULY 15: India's human development index (HDI) has shown a
steady improvement in the last couple of years. India's ranking, however, at
127 out of 177 countries remains the same as in the previous year.
Friday, July 16, 2004
HDI Improves, Ranking Doesn't
OUR POLICY BUREAU
Posted online: Friday, July 16, 2004 at 0103 hours IST
NEW DELHI, JULY 15: India's human development index (HDI) has shown a
steady improvement in the last couple of years. India's ranking, however, at
127 out of 177 countries remains the same as in the previous year.
The challenge before India, according to the UNDP's Human Development Index
2004, is to manage cultural diversity. This assumes significance as the
country, despite its long secular tradition, has experienced considerable
communal violence in the last one decade.
According to the report, which was released by Union minister for
information, broadcasting and culture S Jaipal Reddy on Thursday, Malaysia,
China, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Vietnam rank above India. The countries
which are ranked below India are Myanmar, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Nepal and
Pakistan.
India's HDI has consistently gone up from 0.411 in 1975 to 0.595 in 2002.
The HDI was 0.579 in 2000. The HDI, it may be mentioned, is an index which
focuses on three measurable dimensions of human development - living a long
and healthy life, being educated and having a decent standard of living. The
index combines measures of life expectancy, school enrollment, literacy and
income to allow a broader view of a country's development.
The 2002 report, which focuses on "Cultural liberty in today's world",
recognises India's vibrant multi-cultural ethos based on a strong and
composite policy framework that promotes democracy and diversity.
2004, is to manage cultural diversity. This assumes significance as the
country, despite its long secular tradition, has experienced considerable
communal violence in the last one decade.
According to the report, which was released by Union minister for
information, broadcasting and culture S Jaipal Reddy on Thursday, Malaysia,
China, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Vietnam rank above India. The countries
which are ranked below India are Myanmar, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Nepal and
Pakistan.
India's HDI has consistently gone up from 0.411 in 1975 to 0.595 in 2002.
The HDI was 0.579 in 2000. The HDI, it may be mentioned, is an index which
focuses on three measurable dimensions of human development - living a long
and healthy life, being educated and having a decent standard of living. The
index combines measures of life expectancy, school enrollment, literacy and
income to allow a broader view of a country's development.
The 2002 report, which focuses on "Cultural liberty in today's world",
recognises India's vibrant multi-cultural ethos based on a strong and
composite policy framework that promotes democracy and diversity.
The report, UNDP resident representative Maxine Olson said, "salutes India for
its multi-cultural facet." In India there is space for state identity while
maintaining a strong Central focus simultaneously, she added.
Terming the HDI 2004 a monumental contribution, Mr Reddy said that cultural
liberty was important not only for peace and progress but also for the
survival of mankind.
its multi-cultural facet." In India there is space for state identity while
maintaining a strong Central focus simultaneously, she added.
Terming the HDI 2004 a monumental contribution, Mr Reddy said that cultural
liberty was important not only for peace and progress but also for the
survival of mankind.
"We must all learn to live together, and celebrate diversity," the minister added.
© 2004: Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd. All rights reserved
throughout the world.
© 2004: Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd. All rights reserved
throughout the world.
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