Measuring Human Development

Human development is primarily measured through indicators that reflect the overall well-being of individuals in a society. The key measures include:

• Human Development Index (HDI): Combines indicators like life expectancy, education (mean years of schooling and expected years of schooling), and per capita income.
• Income Distribution: Measuring inequality in income and access to resources.
• Health Indicators: Child mortality rates, maternal health, and life expectancy.
• Education: Literacy rates, enrollment ratios, and quality of education.

Seven Commitments of Bihar Government for Human Development

1. Improving Health and Well-being:
   • Schemes: Bihar Health Sector Reform Project and Bihar State Nutrition Mission focus on improving maternal and child health, reducing malnutrition, and increasing access to healthcare services.
2. Promoting Education:
   • Schemes: Bihar Education Project and Mukhyamantri Kanya Utthan Yojana aim to enhance enrollment and retention in schools, especially for girls, and improve education quality.
3. Ensuring Economic Inclusion:
   • Schemes: Bihar Rural Livelihoods Project focuses on improving the living standards of rural poor by providing skill development and livelihood opportunities.
4. Improving Infrastructure:
   • Schemes: Bihar State Road Development Corporation (BSRDC) and Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana focus on improving roads and connectivity, which are crucial for development.
5. Environmental Sustainability:
   • Schemes: Green Bihar Campaign and Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) promote sustainable agriculture, water conservation, and environmental awareness.
6. Promoting Gender Equality:
   • Schemes: Bihar Mahila Udyami Yojana and Bihar State Women Development Corporation aim to empower women through financial independence, vocational training, and promoting entrepreneurship.
7. Social Security and Welfare:
   • Schemes: Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and Bihar Old Age Pension Scheme provide social security to the most vulnerable sections of society.