Publication “Children in India 2025” Released
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) unveiled its latest publication, “Children in India 2025,” during the 29th Conference of Central and State Statistical Organizations (CoCSSO) held on September 25, 2025, in Chandigarh. This comprehensive report highlights significant improvements in various aspects of child welfare in India, including health, education, and social issues. Key findings reveal a notable decline in infant mortality rates and dropout rates in education, alongside a decrease in early marriages among women.
Key Findings on Child Health and Mortality
The “Children in India 2025” report presents encouraging trends in child health metrics. The Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) has significantly decreased from 44 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2011 to 25 in 2023. This improvement reflects ongoing efforts to enhance healthcare access and quality for mothers and infants across the country. Additionally, the Under-Five Mortality Rate (U5MR) has also shown positive trends, dropping from 30 in 2022 to 29 in 2023. The report indicates that rural areas still face higher mortality rates compared to urban settings, with U5MR at 33 in rural regions versus 20 in urban areas.
The publication also sheds light on gender disparities in health outcomes. Data indicates that the IMR for males is slightly higher than for females, with rates of 26 and 25, respectively. These figures underscore the need for targeted health interventions to address gender-specific health challenges and ensure equitable healthcare access for all children.
Education Trends and Dropout Rates
Education is another critical area addressed in the report, which shows a significant decline in dropout rates across various educational stages. The overall dropout rate for the secondary level has decreased from 13.8% in 2022-23 to 8.2% in 2024-25. This positive trend is mirrored at the preparatory and middle levels, where dropout rates have also seen substantial reductions. For instance, the dropout rate at the preparatory stage fell dramatically from 8.7% to 2.3%.
The report emphasizes the importance of retaining students in schools to improve educational outcomes. It highlights that both male and female students have benefited from these improvements, reflecting a collective effort to enhance educational infrastructure and support systems. The Gender Parity Index (GPI) in education has reached parity across all stages, indicating progress toward gender equality in educational access.
Social Issues and Adoption Trends
The publication also addresses social issues affecting children, particularly focusing on marriage and adoption trends. The percentage of women aged 20-24 who married before the age of 18 has decreased from 26.8% in 2015-16 to 23.3% in 2019-21, indicating a shift towards later marriages and improved awareness of women’s rights.
In terms of adoption, the report reveals a rise in the total number of children adopted, increasing from 3,927 in 2017-18 to 4,515 in 2024-25. Notably, female children are adopted more frequently than male children, with 2,336 female adoptions compared to 1,819 male adoptions in 2024-25. This trend may reflect societal preferences and highlights the ongoing need for advocacy and awareness around gender equality in adoption practices.
Publication Overview and Future Directions
“Children in India 2025” is the fourth edition of this important publication, which has been released by MoSPI since 2008. It provides a detailed analysis of the status of children in India, covering various dimensions such as health, education, and child protection. The publication is structured into seven chapters, offering insights that can inform evidence-based policies aimed at improving children’s lives.
This edition introduces new data indicators and has been restructured for better clarity and accessibility. An expert committee contributed to refining the publication, ensuring it meets the evolving needs of policymakers and stakeholders. The report is available on the MoSPI website, providing a valuable resource for those interested in child welfare and development in India.
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