The Registrar General of India released the Sample Registration Survey (SRS) 2024 report, highlighting vital demographic shifts in the country between 2014 and 2024. This annual survey serves as the primary data source for estimating national and state-level fertility and mortality indicators. The latest data shows a steady decline in crude birth rates and infant mortality rates, signaling progress in reproductive and child health. However, the report exposes sharp regional variations and a persistent development gap between rural and urban sectors, highlighting the need for localized healthcare interventions.
Key Demographic Indicators (2014–2024)
The latest SRS data tracks India’s progress across vital population parameters over a ten-year period.
- Crude Birth Rate (CBR): The national birth rate dropped from 21.0 to 18.3 per 1,000 population. This indicates changing family size preferences and increased access to family planning.
- Crude Death Rate (CDR): India’s death rate saw a marginal decline, moving from 6.7 to 6.4 per 1,000 population, reflecting gradual improvements in general healthcare and life expectancy.
- Natural Growth Rate: Calculated as the difference between the birth rate and death rate, the natural population growth rate slowed down in response to falling fertility levels.
Status of Infant and Child Mortality
Infant health indicators serve as a direct measure of socioeconomic development and maternal healthcare accessibility.
Infant Mortality Rate (IMR)
The national IMR improved from 39 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2014 to 24 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2024. Despite this gain, rural areas record a higher average IMR of 27, while urban centers register a lower average of 17.
Neo-Natal and Under-Five Mortality
Neo-natal mortality (deaths within 28 days of birth) continues to constitute the largest share of infant deaths. The under-five mortality rate also declined, driven by expanded immunization programs and better nutrition interventions.
State-Wise Performance and Regional Variations
Demographic transition speeds vary greatly across different states, creating a clear divide between the northern and southern regions.
| State / UT | Birth Rate (per 1,000) | Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) | Demographic Status / Key Highlight |
| Kerala | 13.2 | 8 | Lowest IMR in India; lowest natural growth rate at 3.9%. |
| Tamil Nadu | 14.1 | 12 | Advanced stage of demographic transition with strong health infrastructure. |
| Bihar | 25.5 | 42 | Highest birth rate and elevated under-five mortality levels. |
| Madhya Pradesh | 24.1 | 43 | Highest infant mortality rate in the country, showing rural distress. |
| Uttar Pradesh | 24.5 | 38 | High fertility burden, though showing steady absolute declines since 2014. |
Rural-Urban Disparities in Health Indicators
The survey reveals a persistent gap in healthcare delivery and outcome metrics between rural and urban populations.
Birth and Death Disparities
Rural areas maintain a higher crude birth rate of 19.8 compared to 15.2 in urban areas. The crude death rate in rural India stands at 6.8, whereas urban India records 5.4, driven by superior tertiary healthcare access in cities.
Healthcare Access Infrastructure
Higher rural mortality rates stem from shortages in institutional delivery facilities, inadequate numbers of pediatric intensive care units, and delays in seeking medical care during neonatal emergencies.
Determinants of Falling Fertility Rates
Several socio-economic variables have accelerated the drop in India’s birth rates over the last decade.
- Female Literacy: States with higher female literacy rates consistently show lower birth rates and better child survival figures.
- Age at Marriage: The mean age at marriage for women has risen gradually, reducing the total reproductive span.
- Contraceptive Prevalence: Improved supply chains for spacing methods under national family planning programs have reduced unmet family planning needs.
IASPOINT Booster Facts for UPSC
- Origin of SRS: The Sample Registration System in India was initiated on a pilot basis by the Registrar General of India in 1964-65 and became fully operational in 1969-70.
- Dual Record System: The SRS utilizes a unique dual-record system consisting of continuous enumeration by a resident part-time enumerator and an independent half-yearly survey by a full-time supervisor.
- Nodal Ministry: The office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.
- Demographic Dividend Window: India entered the window of demographic dividend around 2018, where the working-age population (15–59 years) outnumbers the dependent population. This window is projected to last until roughly 2055.
- Total Fertility Rate (TFR) Target: As per National Family Health Survey (NFHS) data, India has achieved a replacement level TFR of 2.0, which is below the standard replacement threshold of 2.1.