Human Development Index: A Comparative Study between Nepal and Other SAARC Member Countries

Abstract

This study aims at assessing the trends, patterns and compositions of indices of Human Development Index (HDI) of Nepal, with the bid of comparing these with those of the SAARC member countries. Using primary and secondary sources of data, the study embarks on a consecutive analysis of the years ranging from 2015 to 2019, while employing a descriptive research design. Simple descriptive tools; content analysis, trend line, and bar diagram are used for data presentation and analysis. United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has been preparing the global Human Development Index report since 1990. The study argues that misplaced priorities and not necessarily a shortage of resources often prevent countries from reaching acceptable levels of human development indexes, and thus failing to assuring their citizens the necessary universal access to basic essential amenities such as health,  education, security and overall human emancipation. It concludes that, this type of comparison is pertinent because it would attract public attention, in terms of policy advocacy, which could lead to extensive positive policy initiatives for more detailed discussions and application of development strategies amongst the SAARC members’ countries.