Aizawl: Mizoram, Manipur, and Sikkim have recorded the lowest Infant Mortality Rates (IMR) in the country, according to the latest Sample Registration System (SRS) Bulletin released by the Office of the Registrar General of India in May 2025. Based on data for the year 2021, these three Northeastern states have outperformed all other states and Union Territories in this critical public health indicator.
Mizoram leads with an IMR of just 4 infant deaths per 1,000 live births, while Manipur and Sikkim also reported similarly low figures. This places the three states well below the national average of 27 infant deaths per 1,000 live births.
The Infant Mortality Rate is a widely recognized measure of a region’s healthcare quality, particularly for maternal and child health. It reflects the number of infants who die before reaching their first birthday per 1,000 live births.
Nationally, the IMR has seen a significant improvement over the years — dropping from 42 in 2011 to 27 in 2021, a decline of 36% over the past decade. However, disparities remain across regions, with several larger states still reporting figures above the national average.
In Mizoram, the success has been attributed to strong coordination across health and welfare departments. Health Minister Lalrinpuii expressed pride in the achievement, saying: “This is a moment of honor for Mizoram and the entire Northeast. Our low IMR reflects years of consistent effort in improving maternal and child health services, especially in remote and rural areas.”
The SRS Bulletin is India’s most reliable source of annual demographic data, providing estimates of Birth Rate, Death Rate, Natural Growth Rate, and Infant Mortality Rate across all States and Union Territories. It is conducted annually by the Registrar General of India and plays a crucial role in guiding public health policy.
While the national average IMR has declined significantly, the report points out that one in every 37 infants in India still dies before their first birthday.
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