Answer the following questions in not more than 150 words.

What do you understand by the term human development?

The term human development points to the fact that meaningful development cannot take place unless conditions for human existence improves. Access to health, education and resources comprises the basic human necessity. Dr Mabub-ul-Haq, who introduced this concept, has described human development as development that enlarges people’s choice and improves their lives.

Human choice is the keyword. People often fail to realise their capability and freedom to make even basic choices, due to their inability to acquire knowledge, their material poverty, social discrimination, the inefficiency of institutions, etc. This prevents them from leading healthy lives, being able to get educated, or to have the means to a decent life. Building people’s capabilities in the areas of health, education and access to resources are therefore, important in enlarging their choices.

Thus, human development is necessary to enable people to see their true choices and potential, and lead a life to their fullest ability.