Decomposition of the Change in Child Mortality by Income Groups in India, 2005–2021

Abstract

This paper analyses how change in child mortality in different income sub-groups has contributed to change in child mortality in India during 2005–2021. The poorest and poor populations have primarily contributed to the decrease in child mortality while the contribution of the richest population has been negative. The contribution of the change in child mortality in different income sub-groups has been different in different states. In many states, it has been negative in the richest population. The contribution of the change is also sensitive to the measure of child mortality. The paper calls for reinvigorating India’s healthcare system.