JOURNAL ARTICLE

Beyond HDI: A Framework for Characterising Human Development with Application to India.

  • Published In: Indian Journal of Human Development, 2025, v. 19, n. 1. P. 7 1 of 3

  • Database: Psychology Source 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Chaurasia, Aalok Ranjan 3 of 3

Abstract

This article develops an analytical framework to characterize human development in a three-dimensional space defined by individual capacity, individual knowledge, and individual standard of living, addressing limitations of the traditional Human Development Index (HDI). The framework profiles populations into 12 mutually exclusive categories based on the relative progress in these dimensions and quantifies inequality or disparity in development using the difference between the arithmetic mean and geometric mean of the three indexes. Applied to India's states, Union Territories, and 707 districts using data from the National Family Health Survey (2019–2021), the analysis reveals significant variation in human development profiles and inequalities, with most regions showing the poorest progress in the standard of living dimension. The findings suggest the need for decentralized, evidence-based planning and targeted investment tailored to the specific human development profiles and disparities within regions to effectively advance balanced human development.

Additional Information

  • Source:Indian Journal of Human Development. 2025/04, Vol. 19, Issue 1, p7
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Social Sciences and Humanities
  • Publication Date:2025
  • ISSN:0973-7030
  • DOI:10.1177/09737030251346757
  • Accession Number:188095926
  • Copyright Statement:Copyright of Indian Journal of Human Development is the property of Sage Publications Inc. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

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