UPSC Prelims 2009 Q76: Indian Economy – Human Development, Poverty & Employment Schemes
Consider the following statements :
1. Infant mortality rate takes into account the death of infants within a month after birth.
2. Infant mortality rate is the number of infant deaths in a particular year, per 100 live births
during that year.
Which of the above statements is/are correct ?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation
Checking two claims about Infant Mortality Rate
The Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) is a precisely defined demographic indicator, often misstated.
| Statement | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 1. IMR accounts for deaths within a month after birth | Incorrect | IMR actually accounts for deaths occurring within the first year (not just one month) of life |
| 2. IMR is infant deaths per 100 live births in a year | Incorrect | The standard definition uses per 1,000 live births, not per 100 |
Correcting the IMR definition:
| Point | Correct detail |
|---|---|
| Time frame | Within the first year of life (not just one month) |
| Rate basis | Per 1,000 live births (not per 100) |
Answer: (d) Neither 1 nor 2.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. IMR covers the first year, not just the first month, of life.
- (b) Incorrect. IMR is measured per 1,000 live births, not per 100.
- (c) Incorrect. Both statements contain definitional errors, so 'both' cannot be correct.
- (d) CORRECT. Both the time-frame ('one month' instead of one year) and the rate basis ('per 100' instead of per 1,000) are inaccurate.
Key point
Infant Mortality Rate is correctly defined as deaths within the FIRST YEAR of life, per 1,000 LIVE BIRTHS — not within one month, and not per 100 live births, as both statements incorrectly claim.
Remember
Infant Mortality Rate: deaths within the first year of life, per 1,000 live births — not one month, and not per 100.
Common mistakes
- Confusing IMR's one-year timeframe with a much shorter one-month window.
- Using the wrong denominator (100 instead of the standard 1,000 live births).
- Not knowing the precise, standard definition of this commonly cited demographic indicator.
Exam tip
IMR = infant deaths within the FIRST YEAR, per 1,000 live births. Watch for incorrect timeframes (one month) or denominators (per 100) in trick statements.
Sources
- Registrar General and Census Commissioner, India — Sample Registration System Bulletin (infant mortality rate)
- Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India — National Rural Health Mission: Framework for Implementation, 2005–2012