There has been a continuing declining trend in IMR since 2009. As per the latest data released by the Govt. IMR has declined by further three point to 44 per thousand in 2011 compared to 47 per 1000 in 2010. There was a reduction in IMR during 2010 also, from 50 to 47.
According to the ministry, the latest bulletin of the Sample Registration System (SRS) released by the Registrar General of India shows that the IMR for rural areas has dropped by three points from 51 to 48 deaths per 1,000 live births while the urban rate now stands at 29 from the previous 31.
As per state-wise data available for 2010, six states with highest IMR are:
| Madhya Pradesh |
62 |
| UP |
61 |
| Assam |
58 |
| Meghalaya |
55 |
| Chattisgarh |
51 |
| Bihar |
48 |
According to the estimates available with health and family welfare ministry, 17 lakh children under 5 die annually, out of which 13 lakhs are infants. Major reason for the deaths continue to be malnutrition. Other reasons being diarrhoea, pneumonia and measles.