Explain the concept of human development.

The concept of human development is based on the idea that expansion of a person’s capability consequently expands his/her choices. While income is considered to be an important component, it is also recognised that development means more than accumulation of income and wealth. Alternatively, realisation of goals of human development requires good governance to provide an enabling environment (Baru, 1998). The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) brings out Human Development Reports that indicate the parameters of human well-being examined from various perspectives in different countries of the world. In the first Human Development Report, published in 1990, the novel Human Development approach was introduced which emphasised on enrichment of human life instead of enrichment of economy. Its basic premise was “People are wealth of a nation” The Human Development Report Office (HDRO), UNDP, defines Human Development as “expanding the richness of human life, rather than simply the richness of the economy in which human beings live.

The concept of human development was pioneered by intellectuals, such as Mahbub Ul Haq and Amartya Sen. According to this, human development is considered as development of the richness of human life and not the wealth of the economy. Mahbub Ul Haq appointed as the special advisor to the UNDP in 1989 initiated the publishing of annual reports by the Human Development Report Office (HDRO), which subsequently published the annual reports. Within less than 50 years of its genesis, it transformed into a powerful agency mobilising governments and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) as well as triggering innovative thinking in development economics. It steered focus to the ‘human’ aspect of development policy of governments because it recognised “People [as] the real wealth of a nation” and “Human development is the end - economic growth a means”. Particularly, the first human development report stressed upon (1) formation of human capabilities, for example improved health, knowledge and skills, and (2) use of acquired capabilities, for example leisurely activities, productive purposes, cultural, social and political pursuits.

Human development is considered as a process of expanding the real freedom that people enjoy. It aims at providing better opportunities to people with a view to achieving long and healthy life, access to knowledge and acceptable living standards. It encompasses political, economic and social freedom, creativity, respect for human rights, etc.

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