question_answer

Explain the meaning of Human Development Index. Mention three main components of measuring Human Development Index according to UNDP Report of 1990.                                                            [Foreign 2005]

Answer:

According to United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Human Development is the cumulative measurement of

(i) Longevity showing long and healthy life. It is measured by 'life expectancy at birth' indicating the number of years a newborn is expected to live.

(ii) Knowledge is a choice to acquire literacy information. It is measured by educational attainment percentage, which is combined gross enrolment ratio in primary, secondary and tertiary levels.

(iii) Decent standard of living is a choice to enjoy a quality and standard life. It is measured by national income or per capita income.

The rank of a country is determined by the overall achievements in these three basic dimensions of human development. HDI is indicative of the levels of human development and not the complete measurement of development.