India Records Historic Decline: Birth Rate Down to 18.4, Death Rate to 6.4, Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) at Lowest-Ever 25.
National
India’s birth rate (live births per 1,000 people) and death rate (deaths per 1,000 population) have both nearly halved since 1971, while the Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) has dropped to an all-time low—signaling a major improvement in public health metrics.
- The birth rate has declined from 36.9 in 1971 to 18.4 in 2023, and from 21.4 in 2013 to 18.4 in 2023 per 1,000 population.
- The death rate fell from 14.9 in 1971 to 6.4 in 2023, down from 7.0 in 2013 to 6.4 in 2023 per 1,000 population.
- IMR, defined as deaths of infants under one year per 1,000 live births, has plunged from 129 in 1971 to 25 in 2023, marking a reduction of 80% over five decades and 37.5% over just the last ten years (from 40 in 2013 to 25 in 2023).
Main Point :- (i) The halving of birth and death rates indicates India is well into the demographic transition phase—shifting from high birth and death rates to lower, more stable levels.
(ii) A record-low IMR of 25 per 1,000 live births reflects major advances in maternal and child health, suggesting better healthcare access and outcomes across the country.
(iii) Despite national improvements, some states like Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh continue to report higher IMR (around 37), while states like Manipur (IMR = 3) and Kerala (IMR = 5) are leading with much lower rates.
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