Human development and environment links – UGC NET Question

Statements A, B, E and F correctly capture the core of the human development approach by focusing on capabilities, health, education, income, gender disparities and basic services. Statement C is wrong because human development treats economic growth as a means, not something to be completely rejected. Statement D is wrong because a high HDI does not automatically ensure low inequality or strong environmental sustainability. Hence, the only option that includes all and only the correct statements is A, B, E and F.

Option A:
Option A is incorrect because it includes C, which wrongly claims that the human development approach rejects economic growth entirely. It also omits F, so it ignores the centrality of basic services.

Option B:
Option B is correct because it brings together statements about capabilities, composite measurement, gender disparities and access to basic services. It excludes C and D, which oversimplify the relationship between growth, HDI, inequality and environment. This combination aligns with the concept of human development.

Option C:
Option C is incorrect because it accepts D, which assumes high HDI guarantees low inequality and environmental sustainability, which is not empirically true. It also omits A, losing the capability-centered definition of human development.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect as it includes C, which claims the approach rejects economic growth entirely, and it omits B. This misrepresents the nuanced view of growth in human development and ignores the role of HDI as a summary measure.