Correct Option
The correct option is 1 only
Explanation
The concept of Human Development was introduced by economists Dr. Mahbub-ul-Haq and Prof. Amartya Sen. It represents a paradigm shift from viewing development merely as economic growth to viewing it as a process of enlarging people's choices and enhancing their capabilities. It focuses on the richness of human life rather than the richness of the economy.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Correct: The core philosophy of human development posits that people are the real wealth of a nation. It emphasizes that the purpose of development is to create an enabling environment for people to enjoy long, healthy, and creative lives. Therefore, the well-being of the people is the central aspect of this approach.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: Human development does not rely solely on economic indicators like Gross National Income (GNI) per capita. While income is a component (representing the standard of living), the approach explicitly recognizes that economic growth is only a means to an end, not the end itself. Relying solely on economic indicators characterizes the "Economic Growth" approach, not "Human Development."
- Statement 3 is Incorrect: The human development approach, operationalized through indices like the Human Development Index (HDI), fundamentally includes health (measured by life expectancy at birth) and education (measured by mean and expected years of schooling) alongside the standard of living. It rejects the notion of focusing only on per capita income.
Key Takeaway: Human Development is a multidimensional concept that prioritizes human capabilities (health, education, and decent standard of living) over mere economic expansion.