Unicef’s report State of the World’s Children 2012 has been out. It is a good reference point for us to see where India stands in terms of important indicators relating to children. Here are some important facts.
- Almost half the world’s children now live in urban areas (43%). Considering most of these children belong to low socio-economic background, people who have migrated from rural areas in search of jobs and hence the children of such families are likely to face harsh environments living in slums, or similar backgrounds, such as lack of access to adequate to water, sanitation (causing infectious and other health related issues), secure tenure (causing anxiety and insecurity within the family environment), poor quality of housing and adequate living space.
- On some of the development indicators, India’s position is given comparing with some of the other countries, with similar or worse socio-economic backgrounds.
|
Development Indicator/ (Position from bottom) |
India |
Pakistan |
S.Africa |
Egypt |
Viet Nam |
|
Infant Mortality Rate (Under 1 Yr) |
48 |
70 |
41 |
19 |
19 |
|
Under 5 yr Mortality Rate |
63 (46) |
87 (33) |
57 (51) |
22 (91) |
23 (90) |
|
Neo-natal (Mother) Mortality Rate |
32 |
41 |
18 |
9 |
12 |
|
Annual No. of Births (000’s) |
27165 |
4741 |
1059 |
1881 |
1467 |
|
Gross National Income per capita (US$) |
1696 |
1050 |
6100 |
2340 |
1100 |
| % share of National Income 2000-2010 | |||||
|
Lowest earning 40% population Highest earning 20% population |
19% 45% |
21% 42% |
9% 63% |
22% 42% |
18% 45% |
|
Life Expectancy at Birth |
65 |
65 |
52 |
73 |
75 |
|
Total Adult Literacy Rate |
63% |
56% |
89% |
66% |
93% |
|
Primary School Net Enrolment Ratio |
97% |
66% |
90% |
95% |
NA |
Anyone wanting to see full report click on link http://www.unicef.org/sowc/files/SOWC_2012-Main_Report_EN_21Dec2011.pdf
________________________________
Socio Research & Reform Foundation
(A Non Government Organisation)
512 A, Deepshikha, 8 Rajendra Place, New Delhi – 110008
e-mail: socio-research@sma.net.in