Overview
Children in India 2025 Report Insights: The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has released the 4th issue of the Children in India 2025 Report. This report compiles critical indicators on education, health, nutrition, and child protection. It serves as a policy guide to improve the welfare and rights of children in India.
Static GK fact: MoSPI was formed in 1999 after merging the Department of Statistics with the Department of Programme Implementation.
Child Health Indicators
The Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) has seen a consistent decline, falling from 44 in 2011 to 25 in 2023 per 1,000 live births. Similarly, the Under-Five Mortality Rate (U5MR) decreased from 30 in 2022 to 29 in 2023.
Static GK Tip: India launched the National Health Mission in 2013 to improve maternal and child health outcomes.
The birth rate also showed progress, dropping to 18.4 per 1,000 population in 2023. Rural areas reported 20.3, while urban areas recorded 14.9.
Education and Dropout Trends
The report highlights major gains in school retention. Between 2022-23 and 2024-25, dropout rates fell sharply:
- Preparatory stage: 8.7% to 2.3%
- Middle level: 8.1% to 3.5%
- Secondary level: 13.8% to 8.2%
The Gender Parity Index (GPI) reached parity across all education stages in 2024-25, reflecting balanced access for boys and girls.
Static GK fact: The Right to Education Act, 2009, made elementary education a fundamental right for children aged 6–14 years.
Social Development Indicators
Child marriage rates have fallen gradually. Among women aged 20–24 married before 18 years, the proportion decreased from 26.8% (2015-16) to 23.3% (2019-21).
Adoption figures show positive momentum. Total adoptions rose from 3,927 in 2017-18 to 4,515 in 2024-25. In-country adoptions accounted for the majority (4,155), while inter-country adoptions ranged from 360 to 653 annually.
Static GK Tip: The Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA), under the Ministry of Women and Child Development, regulates adoptions in India.
Policy Significance
The findings of the report are essential for framing evidence-based policies. With progress in health, education, and protection indicators, India moves closer to ensuring that every child grows in a safe, nurturing environment. However, challenges such as reducing child marriage and bridging rural-urban disparities remain.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Children in India 2025 Report Insights:
| Topic | Detail |
| Report Released By | Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) |
| Edition | 4th Issue, 2025 |
| Infant Mortality Rate | Reduced from 44 (2011) to 25 (2023) |
| Under-Five Mortality Rate | Declined from 30 (2022) to 29 (2023) |
| Birth Rate 2023 | 18.4 per 1,000 population (Rural 20.3, Urban 14.9) |
| Dropout Rates | Preparatory 2.3%, Middle 3.5%, Secondary 8.2% (2024-25) |
| Child Marriage | 26.8% (2015-16) to 23.3% (2019-21) |
| Adoptions | Increased to 4,515 in 2024-25 |
| Gender Parity Index | Achieved parity across all education stages (2024-25) |
| Adoption Authority | Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) |
