Day 37 – Q. 4. “Despite impressive economic growth, human development in India remains uneven and inadequate. Critically examine the reasons behind this mismatch and suggest measures to bridge the gap.” (250 words, 15 marks)

  • IASbaba
  • July 14, 2025
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Ethics Theory, TLP-UPSC Mains Answer Writing

Q. 4. “Despite impressive economic growth, human development in India remains uneven and inadequate. Critically examine the reasons behind this mismatch and suggest measures to bridge the gap.” (250 words, 15 marks)


Introduction 

India’s GDP grew at a robust rate of 7.6% in 2023–24, making it one of the world’s fastest growing economies. However, its Human Development Index (HDI) ranking remains low at  134 (UNDP 2023), revealing deep gaps in health, education, and equity. Body 

Causes Behind the Mismatch 

  1. Unequal Distribution of Growth: Economic benefits are concentrated in urban and  industrial areas, leaving rural and tribal regions behind. Example: States like Kerala fare much better on HDI than states like Bihar or Jharkhand
  2. Jobless Growth: Economic expansion has not translated into proportional employment,  especially in the formal sector. Example: PLFS (2023–24) shows youth unemployment in urban areas above 15%,  despite GDP growth. 
  3. Underinvestment in Social Sectors: Public spending on health and education remains  below global benchmarks. Example: India spends only around 2.1% of GDP on health and 2.9% on education  (Economic Survey 2023–24). 
  4. Regional and Gender Disparities: Access to health, education, and income opportunities  varies significantly by region and gender. Example: NFHS-5 highlights poor female labour force participation and child nutrition in  backward states. 
  5. Weak Governance and Implementation: Leakages, inefficiencies, and corruption often  dilute the impact of welfare schemes. Example: Delay in implementation of National Education Policy (NEP) reforms in several  states. 
  6. Environmental and Climate Stresses: Climate change and pollution affect poor  communities the most, reversing human development gains. Example: Heatwaves and droughts in central India have impacted livelihoods and health  indicators.

Measures to Bridge the Gap 

  1. Boost Public Investment in Social Infrastructure: Increase allocations for health,  education, and nutrition through targeted schemes. 

Recommendation: Follow WHO norms of 5% GDP for health and UNESCO’s 6% for  education. 

  1. Promote Inclusive Economic Policies: Encourage labour-intensive and rural industries to  spread growth benefits widely. 

Recommendation: Support MSMEs and expand schemes like SVANidhi and PMEGP.

3. Strengthen Decentralised Governance: Empower Panchayats and Urban Local Bodies for  better implementation of welfare programmes. 

Recommendation: Use local data for need-based planning and monitoring.

  1. Bridge Regional and Social Gaps: Focus on backward districts through Aspirational  Districts Programme and gender-sensitive budgeting. 

Recommendation: Expand scholarships, maternity benefits, and nutrition schemes for  vulnerable groups. 

  1. Skill Development and Job Creation: Align skill training with market needs and boost  employment in health, education, and green sectors. 

Recommendation: Strengthen PMKVY and expand public sector recruitment in underserved  areas. 

  1. Monitor and Evaluate Human Development Indicators: Create robust feedback loops  and social audits to measure impact regularly. 

Recommendation: Use HDI and MPI (Multidimensional Poverty Index) at the district level  for planning. 

Conclusion

India’s economic growth must translate into meaningful improvements in people’s lives. As  per UNDP, bridging this gap requires prioritising inclusive development, investing in people,  and empowering local governance to deliver last-mile justice and prosperity.

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