Open Access Article

From Income to Inclusion: A Comparative Human Capabilities Index for South Asian Economic Development

Authors

Zaeema Farooq(1) Zaeema Farooq Affiliation PhD Scholar, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad Other articles by this author , Shaista Raza(2) Shaista Raza Affiliation MPhil Scholar, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan Other articles by this author , Aqsa Hameed(3) Aqsa Hameed Corresponding author Affiliation Lecturer, Higher Education Department, Punjab Email addressaqsahameed37@outlook.com Other articles by this author , Iqra Mehmood(4) Iqra Mehmood Affiliation Research Scholar, International Islamic University, Islamabad Other articles by this author , Sidra Bano(5) Sidra Bano Affiliation Lecturer, Government Wallayat Hussain Islamia Graduate College, Multan Other articles by this author

  1. PhD Scholar, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad
  2. MPhil Scholar, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan
  3. Lecturer, Higher Education Department, Punjab
  4. Research Scholar, International Islamic University, Islamabad
  5. Lecturer, Government Wallayat Hussain Islamia Graduate College, Multan

https://doi.org/10.36923/jcmi.v6i1.641

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Abstract

A new Comparative Human Capabilities Index (CHCI), which goes beyond conventional measures like GDP or HDI, is presented in this study to evaluate the economic progress of South Asian nations. GDP per capita, GDP per person employed, trade as a percentage of GDP, life expectancy, secondary school enrollment, and GDP per capita are the six main variables that make up the index, which is based on Amartya Sen's capability approach. Data were collected from the World Bank for eight nations between 2001 and 2015: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. In order to ensure comparability across variables, the CHCI was built using equal weighting and min-max normalization. The findings indicate that while Bangladesh and India have made notable progress over time, the Maldives and Sri Lanka continue to rank first in terms of human skills. Despite beginning with lower levels, Afghanistan and Nepal showed signs of improvement over time. As an alternative to more conventional indices like the Human progress Index (HDI), the index offers a more human-centered and inclusive lens through which to view the region's economic progress. This strategy emphasizes how crucial it is to make investments in productivity, health, and education in order to achieve long-term, fair development.

Article information

Keywords
IncomeInclusionComparative Human Capabilities IndexSouth Asia
Section
Articles
Issue
Vol. 6 No. 1 (2025)
Submitted
April 1, 2025
Accepted
June 19, 2025
Published
June 25, 2025
Corresponding author
Aqsa Hameed
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