Topic : Role of women and women’s organization, population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues, urbanization, their problems and their remedies. Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.
1. Regardless of substantial progress in reducing Infant Mortality rate (IMR) in India, the set goals seem difficult to achieve. Discuss the contributing factors for the high IMR in India and suggest corrective measures. (250 words)
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question:
The article of The Hindu talks about The infant mortality rate (IMR) in Madhya Pradesh, recording the country’s worst rate for years now, surged by a single point over the previous year to 48 in 2018, stymying an improving annual trend for at least six years, according to the Office of the Registrar General India.
Key Demand of the question:
Explain the contributing factors that have led to high IMR and discuss measures to address the same.
Directive:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you have to debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You have to give reasons for both for and against arguments.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Briefly discuss what you understand by IMR and present some key data defining the nuances of the question context.
Body:
Infant mortality rate (IMR) is the number of deaths per 1,000 live births of children under one year of age. The rate for a given region is the number of children dying under one year of age, divided by the number of live births during the year, multiplied by 1,000.
India’s average IMR has dropped by one point to 32. The country’s average stands at 36 deaths for rural and 23 for urban areas.
Discuss the contributing factors for such a high IMR despite range of efforts taken by the government in this direction.
Early neo-natal deaths, premature deliveries, birth associated infections, high levels of malnutrition etc.
Suggest measures to address such an alarming issue.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way forward.
