India’s Birth & Infant Deaths Decline

India Witnesses Declining Birth And Infant Mortality Rates

Why in the News ?

The latest Sample Registration Survey (SRS) 2024 highlights India’s ongoing demographic transition, showing a decline in birth rates, death rates, and infant mortality, while also revealing persistent rural-urban disparities in healthcare outcomes.

India’s Birth & Infant Deaths Decline

Key Findings From Sample Registration Survey 2024

  • India’s birth rate declined from 21 per 1,000 population in 2014 to 18.3 in 2024.
  • The death rate also reduced marginally from 6.7 to 6.4 deaths per 1,000 population during the same period.
  • Significant improvement was recorded in the Infant Mortality Rate (IMR), which fell from 39 to 24 deaths per 1,000 live births.
  • The data reflects the impact of healthcare initiatives and improved maternal and child health services implemented by the Centre and States.
  • Experts view the trends as evidence of India moving steadily through a demographic transition towards lower fertility and mortality levels.

Rural-Urban Disparities in Health Indicators

  • Despite overall progress, rural areas continue to lag behind urban regions in healthcare outcomes.
  • Rural birth rates declined from 22.7 to 20.2, while urban birth rates fell more sharply from 17.4 to 14.7.
  • In rural areas, the death rate declined from 7.3 to 6.8, whereas urban death rates remained lower at around 5.6.
  • Urban India recorded major gains in reducing IMR from 26 to 17, while rural IMR fell from 43 to 27.
  • The report highlights the need for equitable healthcare access, improved infrastructure, and targeted public health interventions in rural regions.

About Demographic Transition and Infant Mortality:

●  Demographic transition refers to the shift from high birth and death rates to low birth and death rates as societies develop economically and socially.

●  Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) measures the number of deaths of infants below one year of age per 1,000 live births.

●  Lower IMR is considered an important indicator of improved healthcare, nutrition, sanitation, and maternal care.

●  The Sample Registration System (SRS) is India’s primary source of demographic data related to fertility and mortality.

●  Public health programmes such as Mission Indradhanush, Janani Suraksha Yojana, and improved institutional deliveries have contributed to reducing infant mortality in India.