Chhattisgarh: Human Development Index | Chhattisgarh State PSC (CGPSC) Preparation: All subjects - CGPSC (Chhattisgarh) PDF Download

Understanding Human Development Index (HDI) in Chhattisgarh

Human Development Index (HDI) is a metric published annually by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) that offers insights into overall human development, considering factors like education, health, and per capita income. Chhattisgarh, a state in India, ranks at the bottom of the HDI table, holding the 23rd position with an HDI score of 0.358.

Life Expectancy Index (LEI)

• LEI is calculated as (LE-20) / (85-20).
• LEI equals 1 when life expectancy at birth is 85 and 0 when it is 20.

Education Index (EI)

EI is derived from the Mean Years of Schooling Index (MYSI) and Expected Years of Schooling Index (EYSI).

• Mean Years of Schooling Index (MYSI) is calculated as MYS / 15, where 15 is the anticipated maximum for this indicator by 2025.
• Expected Years of Schooling Index (EYSI) is computed as EYS / 18, which is akin to attaining a master's degree in many countries.

Income Index (II)

• The HDI is determined using the formula: HDI = cube root(LEI * EI * II).
• Educational attainment is a crucial aspect of HDI. In Chhattisgarh, the state's literacy rate is slightly below the national average. According to the 2011 Census, the literacy rate stands at 71%, with 81.4% for males and 60.5% for females, closely aligning with the national literacy rate of 74%.
• Illustration with Examples: Consider a scenario where two states, State A and State B, have similar life expectancies and income levels. However, State A has a higher mean years of schooling and expected years of schooling compared to State B. Consequently, State A might have a higher HDI due to its emphasis on education.

Importance of Human Development Index

• The HDI serves as a valuable tool for policymakers to gauge the overall well-being of a population. By focusing on areas like education, health, and income, governments can tailor policies to enhance human development indicators, ultimately leading to a better quality of life for their citizens.

Education and Health Indices of Chhattisgarh

Educational Scenario

• Chhattisgarh's Education Index in 2011, as per NHDR, stands at 0.526, surpassing Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan, but falls below the national average of 0.563.
• Literacy rates for Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Scheduled Castes (SCs) exceed the national average based on NSS (2007-08) data.
• STs are among the most marginalized groups in the state, with districts like Bastar and Dantewada in south Chhattisgarh exhibiting high illiteracy rates and dropout ratios due to severe rural poverty.

Health Conditions

• Chhattisgarh's Health Index is below 0.49, among the lowest in India, measured by life expectancy at birth reflecting overall health outcomes.
• Instances of female undernourishment in Chhattisgarh exceed the national average, particularly affecting ST females.
• Under Five Mortality Rate among STs is notably higher than the national average, and the percentage of underweight children in the state surpasses the national average, indicative of poor health conditions.
• Despite various health initiatives, indicators such as BMI<18.5 among women, Under Five Mortality Rate, and underweight children remain distressing, possibly due to challenges in reaching remote areas.

Per Capita Income Analysis

Per capita income in the state is significantly lower on an individual basis compared to both other states and the national average.

Factors Contributing to Low Per Capita Income

• The state's economic activities may be limited, leading to a smaller overall income pool.
• Unemployment rates might be high, impacting the average income per person.
• Lack of diverse industries could restrict opportunities for higher-paying jobs.

Effects of Low Per Capita Income

• Low per capita income may result in reduced standards of living for residents.
• It can lead to limited access to quality healthcare, education, and other essential services.
• Individuals might struggle to save for the future or invest in personal development.

Examples of Impact

For instance, due to low per capita income:

• Many families might find it challenging to afford basic necessities like nutritious food and healthcare.
• Children's access to quality education could be compromised, affecting their future prospects.
• Entrepreneurial endeavors may be hindered due to a lack of disposable income for investments.