Preparation of State Human Development Report for Assam

Human Development is about people, about expanding their choices to live full, creative lives with freedom and dignity. Fundamental to expanding human choices is building human capabilities: the range of things that people can do or be in life. The most basic capabilities for human development are living a long and healthy life, being educated , having a decent standard of living and enjoying political and civil freedoms to participate in the life of one’s community . Creation of an enabling environment is pivotal to fulfill the above three aspects of life.

The first State Human Development Report (SHDR) for Assam was published in 2003. Since then 3 District Human Development Report are prepared in 2010 for Dhubri, Bongaigaon and Darrang district .Now another SHDR is proposed to be prepared  covering all the district taking 10% sample of the total 25124 inhabited villages in the state. The process is on with the discussion on the concept note prepared on the proposal with eminent academician like Vice Chancellors and Professors of Universities, academic administrators from national level research institutes, NGOs etc. Notification for constitution of State Level Steering Committee, Core Committee and Advisory Committee has been prepared and being issued shortly.

In addition to normal indexes that are elements of HDR, the proposed study will also include the happiness/wellbeing index in the line the Government of Bhutan prepared its Gross National Happiness Index. The Flinders University of Australia, IIT(Gau) and United Nations Development Programme(UNDP) have  evinced interest to be part of the exercise (for happiness/wellbeing index preparation) .For funding of the preparation of the SHDR, a proposal has been sent to the Planning Commission and UNDP. The entire exercise is tentatively for 18 months time.

Budget provision of Rs. 101.00 Lakh is provided in the budget of 2011-12 fo r the purpose.
 

Photographs showing discussion on methodology of well being index participated by Profs. From Flinders University, Australia, IITG, VC of KKH State Open University etc.

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