Nepal down one spot in HDI rank

With a score of 0.548, Nepal is in the low human development category, among the 188 countries, the report revealed, suggesting Nepal to increase investment in agriculture, industry and infrastructure to bridge the widening gap between rural and urban population. "Kathmandu has $2,764 per capita income on the basis of Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) compared to national average of $1,160," the report states. As usual Kathmandu ranks highest in the human development with a score of 0.632, followed by Lalitpur, Kaski, Bhaktapur and Manang districts, whereas Mugu, Bajhang, Kalikot, Humla and Achham districts have the lowest human development, according to the report. Norway topped the list followed by Australia and Switzerland. In South Asia, India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are above Nepal, whereas Pakistan and Afghanistan are below Nepal. The HDI rank of Bangladesh and Pakistan is 142 and 147, respectively. India ranked lowest among the BRICS nations. The HDI is an average measure of basic human development achievements in a country. It is a summary measure for assessing long-term progress in three basic dimensions of human development -- a long and healthy life, access to knowledge and a decent standard of living. The 2015 Human Development Report (HDR) Work for Human Development examines the intrinsic relationship between work and human development, according to UNDP. Work, which is a broader concept than jobs or employment, can be a means of contributing to the public good, reducing inequality, securing livelihoods and empowering individuals, the report said. "Work allows people to participate in the society and provides them a sense of dignity and worth. In addition, work that involves caring for others or voluntarism builds social cohesion and strengthens bonds within families and communities," the report said.