People-centred development idea – UGC NET Question

People-centred development shifts attention from aggregate income to what people can actually be and do. It emphasises education, health, empowerment, participation and equity. Development is seen as enlarging human capabilities and freedoms, not just growing the economy. Thus, the option describing expanded capabilities and well-being captures the core of this approach.

Option A:
Option A is incorrect since unlimited GDP growth without considering who benefits or what happens to inequality and the environment can deepen social and ecological problems. This is the growth-centred view that people-centred models criticise.

Option B:
Option B is correct because it aligns with the human development and capability perspective. It recognises that income is a means, while people’s freedoms and choices are the true ends of development.

Option C:
Option C is incorrect because relying only on foreign investment ignores domestic capacities, participation and social goals. Investment is one tool, not the essence of people-centred development.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect as large-scale mechanisation that displaces labour can undermine livelihoods. People-centred development asks whether technological choices actually improve people’s lives.