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The "human development as freedom" perspective, championed by Amartya Sen, argues for:
Government control over individual choices.
The expansion of people’s capabilities does not choose lives they value.
The standardization of cultural values.
The expansion of people’s capabilities to choose lives they value.
The expansion of people’s capabilities to choose lives they value.
Amartya Sen's 'capability approach' defines development not merely as an increase in GDP or income, but as the expansion of human freedoms. It focuses on the ability of individuals to achieve 'functionings'тАФthe various things they may value doing or beingтАФby removing obstacles like poverty, illiteracy, and lack of healthcare.
Amartya Sen's 'capability approach' defines development not merely as an increase in GDP or income, but as the expansion of human freedoms. It focuses on the ability of individuals to achieve 'functionings'тАФthe various things they may value doing or beingтАФby removing obstacles like poverty, illiteracy, and lack of healthcare.
The Human Development Index (HDI) was developed in 1990 by economist Mahbub ul Haq and Amartya Sen for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Development is viewed as the process of expanding real freedoms that people enjoy.
Capabilities represent the freedom to achieve various lifestyles, rather than just the commodities owned.
The approach shifts the focus from income-centric development to human-centric development.
The capability approach emphasizes that poverty is not just a lack of money, but a deprivation of basic capabilities.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) publishes the annual Human Development Report based on these conceptual foundations.
Option A is incorrect because the approach promotes individual empowerment, not state control.
Option B is incorrect because it is a direct negation of the core philosophy which advocates for the freedom to choose.
D is correct тАФ Development is defined as the expansion of people's capabilities to lead lives they have reason to value.
In exams, link this to the 'Social Sector' schemes in Indian Economy (like Ayushman Bharat or Right to Education), as these are policy instruments designed specifically to enhance 'capabilities' as per Sen's framework.