Q. The crucial aspect of development process has been the inadequate attention paid to Human Resource Development in India. Suggest measures that can address this inadequacy.

Model Answer: 

Despite being the 5th largest economy, India’s HDI rank (134th in 2023-24) highlights historical under-investment in Human Resource Development (HRD).

1. Indicators of Inadequate HRD

• Education Deficit: Poor foundational learning outcomes (ASER 2023 shows 43% of 14-18-year-olds struggle with basic division).
• Health Burden: Low public health spending (~2.1% of GDP) leads to high out-of-pocket expenditure, impoverishing vulnerable families.
• Skill Gap: Only ~5% of the Indian workforce is formally skilled, creating a severe mismatch with industry needs (India Skills Report).

2. Measures to Address HRD Inadequacy

• Financial Commitment: Scale public expenditure on education to 6% and health to 2.5% of GDP (NEP 2020, NHP 2017).
• Foundational Pedagogy: Enforce outcome-based learning via missions like NIPUN Bharat to ensure universal early literacy and numeracy.
• Industry-Linked Skilling: Decentralize PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) and integrate vocational training starting at the secondary school level.
• Preventive Healthcare: Strengthen primary care infrastructure by expanding Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWCs).
• Digital Inclusivity: Leverage digital public infrastructure (DIKSHA for education, Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission for health) to democratize rural access.

Translating India’s demographic bulge into a true “Demographic Dividend” for Amrit Kaal demands structurally pivoting from mere economic growth to holistic, human-centric development policies.