Inter-State inequalities have significantly narrowed in the last decade, but nutrition and sanitation are still a big concern, says the Human Development Report 2011.

The findings of the report are significant as they come a day before the full National Development Council meeting, headed by the Prime Minister on Saturday.

India’s Human Development Index (HDI) between 1999 and 2008 increased 21 per cent from 0,387 to 0.467, says the report, released here on Thursday by Planning Commission Deputy Chairman, Mr Montek Singh Ahluwalia. The report, brought out by the Institute of Manpower Research (IAMR) and the Planning Commission, measures the HDI on the basis of State Net Domestic Product.

Mr Ahluwalia said: "The 11th Plan aimed at inclusive growth. The past decade shows a move towards convergence in terms of several human development outcomes between States as well as socially excluded communities."

Among States, Kerala has retained its lead in HDI, followed by Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Goa and Punjab.

“We are fast moving towards social inclusion, especially as there is vast improvement in indicators among the Scheduled Castes and tribes and Muslims. It is a good sign that these parameters are converging with the national average," said Dr Santosh Mehrotra, Director-General, IAMR. He said there was a marked improvement in poorer States, hinting at greater social inclusion.

On the biggest concern ahead for the country – high rates of child malnutrition – Dr Mehrotra said, “Gujarat’s figures (69.7 per cent children up to age 5 anaemic and 44.6 per cent malnutritioned) show that economic growth is no guarantee for reducing malnutrition.”

Later, speaking on the sidelines of the meeting, Mr Ahluwalia agreed that economic growth was not the only panacea for developmental challenges. He cited the the example of Kerala, where development indices were good as compared to its economic growth. “Inclusiveness cannot be measured by one index, as it is a multi-dimensional concept,” he added.

Taking a dig at BJP-ruled Gujarat and Karnataka, the Rural Development Minister, Mr Jairam Ramesh, said “Nutrition is a big puzzle. Why is the rate of malnutrition high in pockets of growth like Gujarat and Karnataka?” He called for greater Central role in the areas of nutrition and sanitation in the 12th Plan.

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