Which States in India Are More Developed than Sri Lanka HDI
The Human Development Index (HDI) is a composite statistic used to rank countries based on achievements in human development. While the HDI of Sri Lanka is approximately 0.782 as of 2023, several states within India have higher HDI scores, indicating a higher level of development. These states are known for their advanced healthcare, education, and economic indicators. This article delves into the development levels of these Indian states compared to Sri Lanka, using both HDI and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) scores.
Overview of Development in India and Sri Lanka
As of the latest available data, the HDI of Sri Lanka is 0.782. However, several Indian states have higher HDI scores, thus indicating a higher level of development. These states include Kerala, Goa, Punjab, and Haryana. The HDI is not the sole indicator of development, so the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are also considered to provide a more holistic view.
Comparing HDI Scores
According to the latest data, Kerala has an HDI score above 0.780, which is higher than the Sri Lankan average. Goa, Punjab, and Haryana also have HDI scores that are higher than Sri Lanka’s. Kerala and its HDI of 0.782 leads the pack, suggesting that this southern state is more developed than Sri Lanka in terms of human development.
Comparing SDG Scores
While HDI provides a general overview, the SDGs provide a more detailed picture of development across various parameters such as no poverty, zero hunger, good health, quality education, gender equality, clean water and sanitation, and more. Here’s a comparative analysis of Kerala and Sri Lanka based on their 2020 SDG scores:
No Poverty
Kerala: 83/100
Sri Lanka: 93/100
Level: Sri Lanka 1, Kerala 0
Zero Hunger
Kerala: 80/100
Sri Lanka: 63/100
Level: Sri Lanka 1, Kerala 1
Good Health and Well-Being
Kerala: 72/100
Sri Lanka: 78/100
Level: Sri Lanka 2, Kerala 1
Quality Education
Kerala: 80/100
Sri Lanka: 97/100
Level: Sri Lanka 2, Kerala 2
Gender Equality
Kerala: 63/100
Sri Lanka: 51/100
Level: Sri Lanka 2, Kerala 3
Clear Water and Sanitation
Kerala: 89/100
Sri Lanka: 55/100
Level: Sri Lanka 2, Kerala 4
Affordable and Clean Energy
Kerala: 100/100
Sri Lanka: 65/100
Level: Sri Lanka 2, Kerala 5
Decent Work and Economic Growth
Kerala: 62/100
Sri Lanka: 74/100
Level: Sri Lanka 3, Kerala 5
Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
Kerala: 60/100
Sri Lanka: 32/100
Level: Sri Lanka 3, Kerala 6
Reduced Inequality
Kerala: 69/100
Sri Lanka: 35/100
Level: Sri Lanka 3, Kerala 7
Sustainable Cities and Communities
Kerala: 75/100
Sri Lanka: 83/100
Level: Sri Lanka 4, Kerala 7
Sustainable Consumption and Production
Kerala: 65/100
Sri Lanka: 86/100
Level: Sri Lanka 5, Kerala 7
Climate Action
Kerala: 69/100
Sri Lanka: 97/100
Level: Sri Lanka 6, Kerala 7
Life Below Water
Kerala: 53/100
Sri Lanka: 73/100
Level: Sri Lanka 7, Kerala 7
Life on Land
Kerala: 77/100
Sri Lanka: 58/100
Level: Sri Lanka 7, Kerala 8
Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
Kerala: 80/100
Sri Lanka: 68/100
Level: Sri Lanka 7, Kerala 9
Final Score Analysis
The final tally is calculated by adding the respective scores from all 16 levels. Kerala's total tally is 1177/1600, while Sri Lanka's is 1108/1600. Kerala emerges as the winner in this comprehensive analysis, indicating a higher level of overall development across various parameters.
Key Notes and References
Note 1: One point is awarded to both the states when they have equal SDG scores in a level.
Note 2: The total tally of a state is obtained by adding the SDG scores secured in all 16 levels.
Note 3: Partnerships for the Goals is not applicable for Kerala as evidenced by the data from NITI Aayog SDG Dashboard.
References:
17 Parameters used for evaluating SDGs
Image Courtesy: United Nations
NITI Aayog SDG Dashboard - Performance of Kerala
UN SDG Index Dashboard - Performance of Sri Lanka
For further reading on comparisons between states like Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka, refer to Aravind Varier's response on 'Is Tamil Nadu more developed than Sri Lanka?'