Test: Human Development- 1 - UPSC MCQ

- The approach to human development associated with Prof. Amartya Sen is the Capability Approach.
- This approach focuses on enhancing individuals' freedoms and capabilities to lead the kind of lives they value.
- It emphasizes the importance of providing opportunities and removing barriers to achieve well-being.
- Unlike the Welfare or Income Approach, it considers economic resources as means rather than ends.
- Sen's approach has influenced global policies on human development, notably the Human Development Index.

Topic in NCERT: Human Development

Line in NCERT: "This approach is associated with Prof. Amartya Sen."

- Basic Needs Approach (Option C) is the correct answer.
- This approach emphasizes that government expenditures should prioritize essential human needs.
- Focus areas include:
- Food: Ensuring access to adequate nutrition.
- Water: Providing safe and clean water supplies.
- Housing: Facilitating affordable and safe living conditions.
- It aims at reducing poverty and improving quality of life by meeting these fundamental requirements.
- The approach is often associated with development strategies in low-income countries.

Topic in NCERT: BASIC NEEDS APPROACH

Line in NCERT: "This approach was initially proposed by the International Labour Organisation (ILO). Six basic needs i.e.: health, education, food, water supply, sanitation, and housing were identified."

- Sri Lanka has historically had a higher Human Development Index (HDI) rank than India.
- HDI measures education, life expectancy, and per capita income.
- Despite a smaller economy compared to India, Sri Lanka excels in education and healthcare.
- These factors contribute to a higher HDI, highlighting quality of life improvements over mere economic size.
- The focus on human development aspects enables Sri Lanka to achieve a better HDI ranking.

Topic in NCERT: International Comparisons of Human Development

Line in NCERT: "For example, Sri Lanka, Trinidad and Tobago have a higher rank than India in the smaller economies."

- Growth is primarily quantitative, referring to measurable physical changes such as an increase in size or number. It is generally value-neutral as it concerns physical aspects, like height or weight.
- Development is qualitative and involves improvements in complexity or functions, such as cognitive abilities or emotional maturity. It is often seen as value-positive since it reflects progression in skills or capabilities.
- Therefore, the correct statement is B: Growth is quantitative and value-neutral, while development is qualitative and value-positive.

Topic in NCERT: GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT

Line in NCERT: "Both growth and development refer to changes over a period of time. The difference is that growth is quantitative and value neutral. Development means a qualitative change which is always value positive."

- The four pillars of human development are Equity, Sustainability, Productivity, and Empowerment.
- Equity: Ensures fair access to opportunities for all individuals.
- Sustainability: Focuses on meeting present needs without compromising future generations.
- Productivity: Involves increasing efficiency and growth that benefits society.
- Empowerment: Enables individuals to participate in decisions affecting their lives.
- Therefore, Competition is not a pillar of human development.

Topic in NCERT: THE FOUR PILLARS OF HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

Line in NCERT: "The idea of human development is supported by the concepts of equity, sustainability, productivity and empowerment."

- Amartya Sen contributed to the idea of human development primarily through option B: By emphasizing increasing freedom as a key objective of development.
- Sen argued that development should be assessed by the expansion of human freedoms, not just economic growth.
- He believed that enhancing people's capabilities and choices is crucial.
- This approach led to the creation of the Human Development Index (HDI), which measures development by life expectancy, education, and per capita income, rather than solely economic factors.

Topic in NCERT: Human Development

Line in NCERT: "Nobel Laureate Prof Amartya Sen saw an increase in freedom (or decrease in unfreedom) as the main objective of development."

- The Human Development Index (HDI) measures levels of health, education, and access to resources.
- It is a composite index created by the United Nations to assess and rank countries' social and economic development.
- HDI considers:
- Health: Measured by life expectancy at birth.
- Education: Evaluated through average years of schooling and expected years of schooling.
- Standard of Living: Assessed by Gross National Income (GNI) per capita.
- Therefore, the correct answer is B: Levels of health, education, and access to resources.

Topic in NCERT: MEASURING HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

Line in NCERT: "The human development index (HDI) ranks the countries based on their performance in the key areas of health, education and access to resources."

- The Income Approach focuses on income as the key factor in human development.
- This approach measures development by the level of income people have, assuming higher income leads to better living standards.
- It emphasizes economic growth, believing that increased income allows for better access to goods, services, and opportunities.
- Other approaches, such as the Welfare, Minimum Needs, and Capabilities Approaches, consider broader aspects like health, education, and freedoms beyond just income.

Topic in NCERT: Welfare Approach

Line in NCERT: "This is one of the oldest approaches to human development. Human development is seen as being linked to income."

- Bhutan is the country that officially uses Gross National Happiness (GNH) as a measure of progress.
- GNH emphasizes holistic well-being over purely economic growth.
- It was introduced by King Jigme Singye Wangchuck in the 1970s.
- GNH includes factors such as sustainable development, cultural values, environmental conservation, and good governance.
- This approach contrasts with traditional measures like GDP, focusing on the well-being and happiness of citizens.

Topic in NCERT: Gross National Happiness (GNH)

Line in NCERT: "Bhutan is the only country in the world to officially proclaim the Gross National Happiness (GNH) as the measure of the country's progress."

- The Basic Needs Approach focuses on ensuring that every individual has access to essential necessities for a decent standard of living.
- It includes:
- Education: Ensures literacy and skills for employment.
- Health: Access to healthcare services.
- Food: Sufficient nutrition for healthy living.
- Water and Sanitation: Clean drinking water and proper sanitation facilities.
- Housing: Adequate shelter for safety and comfort.
- Option B accurately represents these critical components, emphasizing survival and well-being over economic measures.

Topic in NCERT: Basic Needs Approach

Line in NCERT: "Six basic needs i.e.: health, education, food, water supply, sanitation, and housing were identified."