While India has made significant strides in GDP growth, infrastructure, and digital transformation, Human Resource Development (HRD) — the backbone of inclusive and sustainable development — has often received insufficient and uneven attention. This has led to skill gaps, poor health indicators, and underutilised demographic dividend.

Human Resource Development and Economic Growth

Manifestation of Inadequate attention paid to human resource development

1. Human Development Index (HDI) Rank: India ranks 134 out of 193 countries in the UNDP Human Development Report (2023). Much below Sri Lanka (0.782) and Bangladesh (0.661), despite higher GDP than both.

2. Education Deficits:

   • Learning Outcomes: ASER Report 2022

     • Only 43% of Class V students can read a Class II-level text.
     • Basic numeracy declining, especially in government schools.

   • Drop-out Rate: UDISE+ (2021–22) shows

     • Upper primary drop-out rate: 3.5%.
     • Secondary level: 12.6%, higher among girls due to early marriage, household work, and safety concerns.

   • Digital Divide: Only 29% of rural children had access to digital learning during COVID-19 (Azim Premji University Survey, 2021).

   • Budget allocation at 2.9% of GDP (2023–24), below NEP’s recommended 6%.

3. Health Infrastructure & Outcomes:

   • Public Health Expenditure: ~2.1% of GDP (Budget 2023–24), lower than WHO recommendation of 5%.
   • Infant Mortality Rate (IMR): 28 per 1,000 live births (SRS 2022).
   • Nutrition Crisis: As per NFHS-5 (2019–21), 35.5% children under 5 are stunted and 32% of women aged 15–49 are underweight.

4. Skilling & Employability Gaps:

   • Skilled Workforce: Only 4.7% of India’s workforce has formal skill training (NSDC data, 2023).
   • Youth Unemployment: ~17.5% (CMIE, May 2023), one of the highest globally.
   • Gender Gaps: Female Labour Force Participation (FLFP) is 25.4% in 2022–23 (PLFS) as compared to 78.5% for Male LFPR.

Measures to Address HRD Inadequacy

1. Strengthen Public Education Infrastructure:

   • Increase budgetary allocation to at least 6% of GDP as recommended by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
   • Improve teacher-student ratio and training: India has a pupil-teacher ratio of 26:1, against the OECD average of 16:1.
   • Bridge digital divide: Expand digital infrastructure via PM eVIDYA, SWAYAM and DIKSHA platforms.

2. Promote Skill Development and Employability:

   • Revamp skilling programs under Skill India Mission and PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana: Only 4.7% of the workforce is formally skilled (NSDC, 2023), compared to 96% in South Korea.
   • Strengthen school-to-work transition: Promote vocational training in secondary schools under Samagra Shiksha.
   • Align skill training with market demand using AI-based forecasting and industry participation.

3. Universal Health Coverage and Nutritional Security:

   • Increase public health spending to at least 3% of GDP (current: ~2.1%).

   • Strengthen primary healthcare network: Expand Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres (target: 1.5 lakh).

     Example: Tamil Nadu’s robust PHC model offers free, accessible care and has high institutional delivery rates.

   • Improve nutrition: Revamp Poshan 2.0 to address child stunting and wasting.

4. Focus on Women and Marginalised Groups:

   • Bridge gender gap in education and workforce: Encourage girls' education through Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and free higher education for girls (e.g., Karnataka's Shakti Yojan).

   • Targeted schemes for SC/ST and minority education.

     Example: Pre-matric and post-matric scholarships under Ministry of Social Justice.

5. Integrate Technology with Human Development:

   • AI/ML tools to map skills and personalise learning (e.g., DIKSHA’s AI dashboard).
   • Expand telemedicine and e-health services in remote areas (eSanjeevani platform completed over 20 crore consultations).

India’s demographic advantage will turn into a demographic burden unless we prioritize human resource development. By investing in people — through health, education, skills, and empowerment — India can ensure inclusive, sustainable, and equitable growth, in line with the goals of Amrit Kaal and Viksit Bharat @2047.