Kerala's development model differs from national path, The Hindu reports
The state has achieved lower infant mortality rates than the US and would rank higher than China on the Human Development Index.
Kerala has transitioned from being one of the poorest states in 1956 to being among the richest today, according to The Hindu.
In 1956, the state's economic status was similar to that of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. It now maintains an infant mortality rate lower than that of the US.
If Kerala were treated as an independent nation, it would hold the 75th position on the Human Development Index, placing it ahead of China. This would be 55 ranks higher than India, which currently sits at 130.
The state's progress is attributed to a strong democracy and high religious diversity. This model supports Amartya Sen's thesis that human development focuses on expanding freedoms rather than just economic growth.
While the national development focus is the income-based Viksit Bharat 2047, Kerala's data suggests significant impact. If India reached Kerala's infant mortality levels, it could save more than 5,00,000 infant lives every year.