HDI: A Comparative Analysis of India and Sri Lanka 2023-24 PDF

**[Human Development Index: Comparative analysis between India and Sri Lanka]** **Introduction** The HDI was created to emphasize that people and their capabilities should be the ultimate criteria for assessing the development of a country, not economic growth alone. The Human Development Index (H...

**[Human Development Index: Comparative analysis between India and Sri Lanka]** **Introduction** The HDI was created to emphasize that people and their capabilities should be the ultimate criteria for assessing the development of a country, not economic growth alone. The Human Development Index (HDI) is a summary measure of average achievement in key dimensions of human development: a long and healthy life, being knowledgeable and having a decent standard of living. The HDI is the geometric mean of normalized indices for each of the three dimensions. The health dimension is assessed by life expectancy at birth, the education dimension is measured by mean of years of schooling for adults aged 25 years and more and expected years of schooling for children of school entering age. The standard of living dimension is measured by gross national income per capita. The HDI uses the logarithm of income, to reflect the diminishing importance of income with increasing GNI. The scores for the three HDI dimension indices are then aggregated into a composite index using geometric mean. The HDI can be used to question national policy choices, asking how two countries with the same level of GNI per capita can end up with different human development outcomes. These contrasts can stimulate debate about government policy priorities. The HDI simplifies and captures only part of what human development entails. It does not reflect on inequalities, poverty, human security, empowerment, etc. The HDRO provides other composite indices as broader proxy on some of the key issues of human development, inequality, gender disparity and poverty.  This project aims to compare the HDI performance of India and Sri Lanka for the year 2023-24, using the latest data from the Human Development Report (HDR) released by the UNDP. India and Sri Lanka, though geographically close, have experienced varied paths of development. India is a fast-growing economy, but it still faces challenges in health and education, while Sri Lanka, despite recent economic struggles, ranks higher on the HDI due to its better social indicators. 1. **Human Development Index (HDI): Concept and Importance** The Human Development Index (HDI) combines three key indicators: - Life Expectancy: A measure of overall health and longevity. - Education: Evaluated through the average number of years of schooling attained by adults (mean years) and the expected years of schooling for children entering school. - GNI per Capita (PPP): A measure of income, reflecting the standard of living. This holistic approach shifts the focus from purely economic indicators like Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to a more comprehensive view of human development. A higher HDI score (on a scale from 0 to 1) signifies better development outcomes. ***The Importance of HDI*** The HDI is critical for: - Assessing Social Progress: It provides insights into how well a country is performing in improving the quality of life for its citizens. - Policy Formulation: Policymakers use HDI to target investments and interventions in health, education, and income. - Global Comparison: It allows for comparing development across countries, regions, and time, providing a tool for tracking progress. The HDI also highlights inequalities, showing how income growth alone does not automatically translate into better health and education outcomes, as evidenced by the India-Sri Lanka comparison. 2. **India's HDI Performance (2023-24)** India, with its diverse population of over 1.4 billion people, ranks 134th in the world on the 2023-24 HDI, with a score of 0.644, placing it in the Medium Human Development category. Despite rapid economic growth, India\'s lower social indicators in health and education drag down its overall ranking. Key Indicators for India (2023-24) - Life Expectancy: 67.7 years - Expected Years of Schooling: 12.6 years - Mean Years of Schooling: 6.7 years - Gross National Income (GNI) per capita (PPP): \$6,951 *Education in India* India's education system has expanded significantly over the past two decades, resulting in an increase in the expected years of schooling to 12.6 years. However, the mean years of schooling (6.7 years) suggests a lower completion rate for primary and secondary education, with rural areas and marginalized communities particularly affected. Issues like inadequate infrastructure, underqualified teachers, and high dropout rates, especially for girls, have impeded progress. *Health in India* India's life expectancy of 67.7 years remains low compared to other countries at similar levels of economic development. Factors such as widespread malnutrition, poor sanitation, limited healthcare infrastructure, and vast disparities in access to healthcare between urban and rural areas contribute to this. While India has made strides in combating infectious diseases and improving maternal and child health, it faces a rising burden of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. *Income in India* India's GNI per capita is \$6,951, reflecting robust economic growth. However, high levels of income inequality persist. Wealth is concentrated in urban centres and certain regions, leaving vast segments of the population, particularly in rural areas, struggling with poverty. The challenge lies in ensuring that the benefits of economic growth are equitably distributed across the population. 3. **Sri Lanka's HDI Performance (2023-24)** Sri Lanka, despite facing recent economic challenges, ranks 78th in the world with an HDI score of 0.782, placing it in the High Human Development category. Sri Lanka has long been a leader in South Asia when it comes to human development indicators, particularly in healthcare and education. Key Indicators for Sri Lanka (2023-24) - Life Expectancy: 77 years - Expected Years of Schooling: 14.1 years - Mean Years of Schooling: 10.5 years - Gross National Income (GNI) per capita (PPP): \$12,707 *Education in Sri Lanka* Sri Lanka's education system is one of the most robust in South Asia, with expected years of schooling at 14.1 years and mean years of schooling at 10.5 years. Public investment in free education, starting from primary school through university, has led to near-universal literacy rates. The country's focus on female education has also played a crucial role in improving gender equality. *Health in Sri Lanka* Sri Lanka's life expectancy of 77 years reflects its well-established public healthcare system, which provides universal access to free healthcare. This has led to significant achievements in reducing infant and maternal mortality rates and controlling infectious diseases. However, the recent economic crisis has strained the healthcare system, leading to shortages of medicines and medical supplies. *Income in Sri Lanka* With a GNI per capita of \$12,707, Sri Lanka's standard of living is significantly higher than India's. However, the 2022 financial crisis caused inflation to skyrocket and led to widespread food and fuel shortages, threatening to erode some of the progress made in human development. Despite these challenges, Sri Lanka's focus on education and healthcare has helped sustain its relatively high HDI score. 4. **Comparative Analysis of HDI between India and Sri Lanka** ***4.1 Life Expectancy*** - Sri Lanka: 77 years - India: 67.7 years Sri Lanka's life expectancy is nearly 10 years higher than India's. This gap reflects Sri Lanka's more successful public health interventions, such as free healthcare, higher immunization rates, and a focus on preventive care. In contrast, India continues to face challenges in addressing malnutrition, inadequate rural healthcare, and the rising incidence of non-communicable diseases. ***4.2 Education*** - Sri Lanka: 14.1 expected years of schooling, 10.5 mean years of schooling - India: 12.6 expected years of schooling, 6.7 mean years of schooling Sri Lanka's superior performance in education is the result of consistent public investment in free, quality education. While India has improved school enrolment rates, significant disparities in education quality remain, especially between urban and rural areas. India's high dropout rates and gender disparities in education further hinder its progress. ***4.3 Income*** - Sri Lanka: GNI per capita of \$12,707 - India: GNI per capita of \$6,951 Sri Lanka's GNI per capita is nearly double that of India, indicating a higher standard of living. However, recent economic crises have put significant pressure on Sri Lanka's economy, raising concerns about whether it can sustain its relatively high-income levels. India, despite its lower GNI, has a larger, more diverse economy with greater potential for long-term growth, provided it can address its inequality and human development challenges. 5. **Factors Influencing HDI in India and Sri Lanka** 1. ***Socio-Political Context in India*** India's diversity in terms of ethnicity, language, and religion, combined with its vast geographic expanse, has led to significant disparities in development across states. States such as Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Himachal Pradesh have HDI levels comparable to high-income countries, while states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh lag far behind. Policies aimed at decentralization and regional development are crucial for addressing these disparities. Political factors also influence India's HDI. Policy shifts, governance issues, and the quality of leadership at both the national and state levels can impact the allocation of resources to health, education, and welfare programs. Corruption, inefficiencies in policy implementation, and bureaucratic delays continue to be major hindrances to human development. 2. ***Socio-Political Context in Sri Lanka*** Sri Lanka's social development has been shaped by its history of welfare policies, particularly in healthcare and education. However, the country's long civil war (1983-2009) and more recent political instability have taken a toll on its economic and social progress. Despite Sri Lanka\'s civil war ending in 2009, the scars of conflict still influence its socio-economic development. The post-war reconstruction of infrastructure, healthcare, and education systems was pivotal in sustaining its HDI, yet ethnic tensions and occasional political unrest continue to be a factor. Sri Lanka\'s emphasis on universal education and healthcare has been a cornerstone of its high HDI score. Still, political instability following the 2022 economic crisis has strained these sectors, threatening future human development progress. ***5.3 Gender Disparities*** A comparative look at gender equality in both countries reveals significant differences. Sri Lanka's HDI is bolstered by a relatively small gender gap in education and healthcare. For instance, female literacy rates and life expectancy are nearly on par with male counterparts, and Sri Lanka has seen impressive female participation in higher education. However, the crisis has raised concerns about the future of women\'s employment, which suffered disproportionately due to job losses in sectors like tourism. In contrast, India's gender gap remains more pronounced. While enrolment of girls in primary and secondary education has increased, women still face systemic barriers in accessing higher education and formal employment. This is reflected in India's Gender Inequality Index (GII), which remains high. Societal norms, early marriage, and gender-based violence continue to impede women's full participation in India's workforce and political sphere, limiting their contribution to the country's HDI. 4. ***Regional Disparities within India*** India's HDI rankings also conceal significant regional disparities. States like Kerala boast HDI scores comparable to developed countries, largely due to their investment in education, healthcare, and social welfare. Kerala\'s literacy rate is above 90%, and life expectancy is similar to that of Sri Lanka. However, states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh lag far behind, pulling down India's overall HDI average. These states struggle with high infant mortality, low literacy rates, and widespread poverty. Inter-state migration from poorer states to urban centres in developed states (such as Maharashtra and Karnataka) reflects this growing disparity. A stronger focus on regional equity and better state-level governance is required to balance these gaps and boost India's overall HDI score. 5. ***The Impact of Economic Growth on HDI*** Both countries demonstrate the complex relationship between economic growth and human development. Sri Lanka, with its higher HDI, had long maintained relatively slow but equitable growth focused on human capital development. However, the recent economic collapse due to mismanagement, unsustainable debt, and inflation threatens its HDI position. External shocks, such as the pandemic and geopolitical instability, have exposed Sri Lanka's vulnerability, pushing more people into poverty and challenging its welfare state model. India, with a larger and more diversified economy, has managed faster growth but with higher inequality. This means that while GDP continues to rise, benefits are not evenly distributed across the population, explaining why India remains in the medium human development category despite being one of the world's largest economies. India\'s experience illustrates that without inclusive growth, economic expansion alone cannot lead to significant improvements in human development indicators like life expectancy or education. 6. **Environmental Sustainability and HDI** Environmental sustainability is increasingly recognized as a critical factor affecting a country's Human Development Index (HDI). It has become evident that the long-term well-being of a population is closely tied to the health of the natural environment. A deteriorating environment can negatively impact health, livelihoods, and access to resources such as clean water and food, which are key components of human development. Both India and Sri Lanka face significant environmental challenges that could hinder their future HDI progress. While both nations have pursued growth and development in recent decades, they are now grappling with the consequences of climate change, resource depletion, and environmental degradation. In this section, we'll examine the environmental sustainability issues faced by each country and their potential impact on human development. ***6.1 India's Environmental Challenges*** India's environmental sustainability is a pressing concern, given the country's large population, rapid industrialization, and reliance on natural resources. As the world's third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases, India is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, which is likely to exacerbate poverty, reduce access to clean water, and affect food security. Key environmental challenges facing India include: - Climate Change and Rising Temperatures: India is experiencing rising temperatures due to global climate change, which is adversely affecting agriculture, particularly in regions dependent on rain-fed farming. Heatwaves have become more frequent, leading to health crises and reduced productivity in agriculture and other sectors. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) predicts that temperatures in India could rise by up to 2-4°C by the end of the century, which would have devastating effects on water availability, agricultural yields, and public health. - Water Scarcity: Water scarcity is a growing issue in India, with over 600 million people currently facing high-to-extreme water stress. The depletion of groundwater, due to unsustainable agricultural practices and rapid urbanization, is a major concern. Many regions, especially in the north, rely heavily on groundwater for irrigation, drinking water, and industrial use. According to NITI Aayog, nearly 21 Indian cities are expected to run out of groundwater by 2030, potentially displacing millions of people. - Air Pollution: India suffers from some of the worst air pollution levels in the world, with cities like Delhi regularly recording hazardous levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5). Air pollution is a major contributor to respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular diseases, and premature deaths. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution in India contributes to over 1.2 million premature deaths annually, reducing life expectancy and increasing healthcare costs, thereby negatively impacting human development. - Deforestation and Land Degradation: India has lost significant forest cover due to deforestation for agriculture, industrial projects, and urban expansion. Forests are crucial for biodiversity, carbon sequestration, and the livelihoods of millions of people living in rural areas. Land degradation due to overgrazing, deforestation, and unsustainable farming practices has affected 30% of India's total land area, leading to reduced agricultural productivity and increased vulnerability to natural disasters like floods and droughts. - Natural Disasters: India is particularly vulnerable to natural disasters such as floods, cyclones, and droughts. These events have become more frequent and severe due to climate change, displacing millions of people each year and causing billions of dollars in damages. For example, flooding in 2020 affected more than 12 million people in the northeastern and eastern states of Assam and Bihar. Climate-related disasters disproportionately affect the poor, who often live in areas that are most vulnerable to environmental hazards. ***Impact on Human Development*** India's environmental challenges are intricately linked to its HDI performance. For instance, water scarcity and poor air quality can lower life expectancy, while deforestation and climate change can lead to reduced agricultural productivity and higher food prices, exacerbating poverty. Malnutrition remains a persistent problem in many parts of the country, driven in part by environmental factors that impact food availability and access. To mitigate these impacts and improve HDI, India must invest in sustainable development practices. Initiatives like the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), the promotion of solar energy, and programs for afforestation and water conservation are steps in the right direction. However, more needs to be done to integrate environmental sustainability with development policies at the regional and national levels. ***6.2 Sri Lanka's Environmental Sustainability*** Sri Lanka, an island nation with a rich biodiversity, faces its own set of environmental sustainability challenges. The country's geography makes it particularly vulnerable to climate change, rising sea levels, and extreme weather events, all of which threaten its long-term human development. Key environmental issues in Sri Lanka include: - Climate Change and Rising Sea Levels: As a tropical island, Sri Lanka is highly susceptible to the effects of climate change. Rising sea levels pose a direct threat to its coastal regions, where nearly one-third of the population lives. Coastal erosion and saltwater intrusion into freshwater sources are already causing significant challenges for agriculture and fisheries, which are critical sectors for livelihoods in Sri Lanka. If sea levels continue to rise, many coastal communities could be displaced, exacerbating poverty and inequality. - Deforestation and Loss of Biodiversity: Sri Lanka is home to some of the world's most diverse ecosystems, but deforestation and habitat destruction are major concerns. The expansion of agriculture, illegal logging, and infrastructure development have resulted in significant forest loss. This not only threatens biodiversity but also affects the livelihoods of rural populations who depend on forest resources. Deforestation also contributes to soil erosion and landslides, particularly in the hilly regions, which can have devastating consequences for agriculture and human settlements. - Water Management: Despite its abundant rainfall, Sri Lanka faces challenges in managing its water resources. Irrigation is vital for Sri Lanka's agriculture, particularly for the cultivation of rice, the country's staple food. However, erratic rainfall patterns due to climate change have made water management increasingly difficult. The Mahaweli Development Project, Sri Lanka's largest irrigation scheme, has been instrumental in supporting agricultural production, but more efforts are needed to address the growing demand for water in both rural and urban areas. - Natural Disasters: Sri Lanka is prone to natural disasters such as floods, landslides, and droughts, all of which have become more frequent and intense due to climate change. For instance, the severe floods and landslides in 2017 displaced over 600,000 people and caused significant damage to infrastructure. Droughts also pose a serious threat to food security and the rural economy, affecting paddy fields and tea plantations, which are critical to the country's export earnings and employment. - Impact on Human Development Environmental degradation in Sri Lanka poses a significant risk to human development, particularly in terms of health, education, and income. Climate-related disasters have direct effects on livelihoods, food security, and public health, which are all key components of HDI. For instance, floods and droughts reduce agricultural productivity, leading to food shortages and higher prices, which disproportionately affect the poor. Rising temperatures also increase the risk of vector-borne diseases like dengue and malaria, further straining the healthcare system. - In response, Sri Lanka has developed policies to promote sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, and disaster risk management. For example, the government has launched initiatives to promote organic farming and sustainable tourism, both of which aim to reduce environmental impacts while supporting economic growth. Mangrove restoration projects along the coastlines are also being implemented to combat coastal erosion and protect biodiversity. 7. **Future Prospects and Policy Recommendations** Based on this analysis, here are key policy recommendations for India and Sri Lanka to support sustainable human development: ***For India:*** Strengthen Health and Education: India should focus on improving healthcare, particularly in rural areas, and enhancing the quality of education by updating curricula, investing in teacher training, and reducing dropout rates. Address Income Inequality: Expanding social programs, progressive taxation, and poverty alleviation initiatives can reduce inequality, ensuring economic growth benefits the broader population. Promote Gender Equality: India needs gender-sensitive policies to improve women\'s access to education, reduce gender-based violence, and enhance formal employment opportunities. Boost Environmental Resilience: Sustainable energy projects, water conservation efforts, and climate adaptation strategies are essential to mitigate the effects of climate change and protect public health. ***For Sri Lanka:*** Economic Stabilization: Following its recent crisis, Sri Lanka should focus on debt restructuring, inflation control, and stabilizing the economy to safeguard social services like healthcare and education. Reinforce Social Welfare Systems: Targeted welfare initiatives, such as food subsidies and cash transfers, can help protect the most vulnerable populations and support social stability. Foster Political Stability: Sri Lanka needs to build a stable political environment to implement sustainable human development policies effectively, with a focus on transparency and anti-corruption measures. Enhance Climate Adaptation: Given its vulnerability, Sri Lanka should prioritize environmental initiatives like coastal protection, sustainable agriculture, and climate-resilient infrastructure to support long-term human development. These strategies are essential for both nations to improve their HDI scores while addressing unique socio-economic and environmental challenges. **[FINDINGS AND SUGGESTIONS]** **Findings for India** 1. Health Infrastructure Gap: India faces significant disparities in healthcare access, with rural areas lacking sufficient medical facilities, impacting life expectancy and HDI scores. 2. Gender Inequality: Persistent societal norms, gender-based violence, and low female workforce participation hinder India\'s human development progress. 3. Educational Disparities: While literacy rates have improved, the quality of education and dropout rates, especially in rural areas, remain a concern. 4. Income Inequality: Economic growth has not translated into equitable development, with significant wealth gaps across different socio-economic groups. 5. Environmental Degradation: Issues like air pollution, water scarcity, and land degradation adversely affect public health and agriculture. 6. Regional Disparities: States like Kerala achieve high HDI scores, but others, such as Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, lag significantly due to poor governance and low investment in human capital. **Suggestions for India** 1. Improve Healthcare Access: Invest in rural healthcare infrastructure and launch targeted campaigns to address preventable diseases and improve life expectancy. 2. Enhance Education Quality: Reform education systems with a focus on technology integration, vocational training, and reducing dropout rates. 3. Promote Gender Equality: Introduce policies that encourage women\'s participation in the workforce, strengthen gender-based violence laws, and ensure equal access to education. 4. Reduce Income Inequality: Implement social safety nets, progressive taxation, and poverty alleviation schemes to bridge the wealth gap. 5. Focus on Environmental Sustainability: Strengthen policies on renewable energy, afforestation, and waste management to mitigate environmental damage. 6. Address Regional Disparities: Provide financial and administrative support to underperforming states to promote equitable development nationwide. **Findings for Sri Lanka** 1. High HDI Score Despite Crisis: Sri Lanka maintains a high HDI score due to historical investments in education and healthcare, despite recent economic setbacks. 2. Post-Crisis Challenges: The 2022 economic crisis has strained social services, pushing more citizens into poverty and reducing access to healthcare and education. 3. Gender Equality Progress: Sri Lanka has relatively low gender disparities in education and healthcare but struggles with women's employment and political participation. 4. Vulnerability to Climate Change: Rising sea levels and extreme weather events threaten livelihoods in agriculture and coastal regions. 5. Dependency on Tourism and Agriculture: Overreliance on these sectors makes Sri Lanka\'s economy vulnerable to external shocks. 6. Political Instability: Governance challenges, including corruption and weak institutions, hinder consistent policy implementation. **Suggestions for Sri Lanka** 1. Stabilize the Economy: Focus on debt restructuring, fiscal discipline, and inflation control to restore economic stability and investor confidence. 2. Strengthen Social Welfare Systems: Expand programs like cash transfers and food subsidies to protect vulnerable populations and reduce poverty. 3. Invest in Climate Adaptation: Prioritize coastal protection, sustainable agriculture, and renewable energy to build resilience against climate change. 4. Promote Women's Employment: Introduce initiatives to boost women's workforce participation and support female entrepreneurship. 5. Diversify the Economy: Reduce dependency on tourism and agriculture by developing industries like technology and manufacturing. 6. Ensure Political Stability: Build consensus among political leaders, strengthen anti-corruption measures, and enhance governance to support development goals. 8. **Conclusion** In conclusion, the HDI comparison between India and Sri Lanka reflects two divergent paths in human development. Sri Lanka, historically more focused on welfare policies, has consistently ranked higher, though recent economic crises pose significant risks to its progress. India, despite rapid economic growth, has yet to fully translate this into corresponding improvements in health, education, and income distribution. The analysis underscores the importance of inclusive and sustainable growth strategies that prioritize equitable access to healthcare, quality education, and income equality for all sections of society. Moving forward, both countries must address their specific challenges---India with its inequalities and healthcare gaps, and Sri Lanka with its economic recovery and political stability---to achieve greater human development for their citizens. With the right policy choices, both nations can continue improving their HDI scores, ensuring a higher quality of life for future generations. 9. **Bibliography**