Read the passage and answer the questions:
Growth and Development
Both growth and development refer to changes over a period of time. The difference is that growth is quantitative and value neutral. It may have a positive or a negative sign. This means that the change may be either positive (showing an increase) or negative (indicating a decrease). Development means a qualitative change which is always value positive. This means that development cannot take place unless there is an increment or addition to the existing conditions. Development occurs when positive growth takes place. Yet, positive growth does not always lead to development. Development occurs when there is a positive change in quality. For example, if the population of a city grows from one lakh to two lakhs over a period of time, we say the city has grown. However, if a facilities like housing, provision of basic services and other characteristics remain the same, then this growth has not been accompanied by development.
For many decades, a country’s level of development was measured only in terms of its economic growth. This meant that the bigger the economy of the country, the more developed it was considered, even though this growth did not really mean much change in the lives of most people. The idea that the quality of life people enjoy in a country, the opportunities they have and freedoms they enjoy, are important aspects of development, is not new. These ideas were clearly spelt out for the first time in the late eighties and early nineties. The concept of human development was introduced by Dr Mahbub-ul-Haq. Dr Haq has described human development as development that enlarges people’s choices and improves their lives. People are central to all development under this concept. These choices are not fixed but keep on changing. The basic goal of development is to create conditions where people can live meaningful lives. A meaningful life is not just a long one. It must be a life with some purpose. This means that people must be healthy, be able to develop their talents, participate in society and be free to achieve their goals.
Which of the following is the oldest method to assess the development of a country?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Economic growth
Option (1) Human Development Index — Incorrect. The HDI was created by Dr Mahbub-ul-Haq only in 1990, long after development had been measured by economic growth.
Option (2) Economic growth — Correct. The passage says that for many decades, a country’s level of development was measured only in terms of its economic growth: the bigger the economy, the more developed the country was taken to be.
Option (3) Human Poverty Index — Incorrect. This index is related to the HDI and measures the shortfall in human development. It is a newer measure, not the oldest.
Option (4) Happiness Index — Incorrect. Measuring progress by happiness is a recent idea: Bhutan is the only country that officially uses Gross National Happiness as its measure of progress.
NCERT (2025-26): “Growth and Development For many decades, a country’s level of development was measured only in terms of its economic growth. This meant that the bigger the economy of the country, the more developed it was considered, even though this growth did not really mean much change in the lives of most people.…” |