During the 77th Independence Day address, the Prime Minister unveiled an ambitious vision for the nation, aiming to achieve developed country status by 2047. As I traversed the NCR Region at that moment, I searched for signs that might bolster this declaration. Regrettably, the surroundings failed to inspire any confidence. The scenario extends beyond just the NCR; the state of most towns across our country is distressing.
Contemplating the basis of the Prime Minister's assertion left me puzzled. While the Prime Minister's predictions could be founded on thorough research, recent trends suggest that political motives often color his assurances and decisions. Consequently, their credibility and Effectiveness can be questionable.
What is Developed Country and How do we Assess ?
A developed country, by one definition, offers a high quality of life, boasts an advanced economy, and possesses advanced technological infrastructure relative to less industrialized nations.
However, this definition is abstract and confusing, particularly for those unfortunate Indians who haven't experienced developed nations firsthand.
To assess development more objectively, it is prudent to rely on the developmental indices released periodically by the UN and its agencies. These indices offer insights – as to where we stand today and also highlight parameters that contribute to rankings, guiding us toward becoming a developed nation.
Therefore, Evaluating our journey towards development requires focusing on indices that gauge governance rather than superficial metrics like height of Statues, Roads, Temples etc.
Important Indices that We should Focus On.
The Human Development Index (HDI) is a vital indicator reflecting our progress as a nation. Published annually by the World Bank, India consistently ranks around 130, recently sliding to 132nd place out of 191. HDI's parameters encompass per capita income, child mortality, skilled population, education, healthcare, and more.
Countries like Norway, UK, Japan, Germany, Switzerland, and US lead the HDI, while India has been languishing at 130s for decades and now slided further to 132 in 2022, is surrounded by nations like Bangladesh and Pakistan.
Then comes the Human Development Report on skills, which is obviously linked to HDI. This is also an important indicator that shows to us the condition of our work force because the earning capabilities are often associated with the Skills they possess. The report says ;
Barely one in five Indians (part of the labour force) is “skilled”, this implies; hardly 29 % of our work force is skilled. Whereas, whopping 99.99 % workforce in Japan, that occupies 19th rank on HDI is skilled. USA, Switzerland, UK, Germany, all occupying Top positions on the HDI, have almost 80-90 % workforce as skilled.
Thereafter, is the Poverty Index which once again highlights disparities as richer nations atop the HDI exhibit lower poverty rates, while India ranks 62 out of 107, sharing proximity with low-ranking nations. Parameters include child mortality, nutrition, sanitation, and housing. India's high child mortality rate stems from inadequate nutrition and healthcare, explaining its 104th position on the Global Hunger Index.
Per capita income is another crucial measure, gauging individual prosperity. India's per capita income ; $2,283 in 2021 pales in comparison to the UK's $44,117, despite India's position as the 5th largest economy that has recently overtaken UK.
India’s GDP (current prices) during 2021 stood at $3.18 trillion and UK’s GDP was at $3.19 trillion, it primarily implies that the economic productivity of 1.39 billion Indians is almost equal to 67.3 million Britishers.
So, the economy of India might have become bigger than that of the UK in 2022, but the productivity or the average income of an Indian continues to be substantially lower than the average income of a British citizen. Based on PPP, the GDP per capita of India is ranked 128, and is amongst the lowest.
A Call for Pragmatic Progress
Understanding these indices holistically unveils why nations like the USA, Norway, and Japan are considered developed. India has miles to traverse before fulfilling its predictions. Instead of dismissing these indices and calling them as Bluff, gradual improvements on these parameters are crucial—better healthcare, education, skill development, per capita income, and more.
It reminds me of a true incident. An elderly lady who had just returned from a two month tour to Europe, was praising Holland, Denmark etc , so I asked her , as to when we shall also become like them, afterall, we have also started our reforms process. She paused, for a while, straightened her spectacles, I could see few wrinkles appearing on her forehead as if she was not expecting this kind of a question. After a while she said sombrely but emphatically ; Beta mujhe nahin lagta merey Jeevan kaal mey ho sakega aur na hi terey.(son I don’t think this can happen in my life time but I feel that this can not happen even in your life time).
Progress must be grounded in reality ; Schools, healthcare, law enforcement, Sanitation, Water, basic amenities, eradication corruption, and skills need attention. As citizens, we must question the governance and make strides toward actual improvement, enabling the dream of "Acchey Din" by 2047 to materialize.