Infant Mortality Rate Convergence across Indian States: Relative Club Convergence Evidence

Abstract

This article investigates the relative convergence of infant mortality rate (IMR) across the 15 major Indian states for the period 1987–2020. To test this hypothesis, this study applies Phillips and Sul’s (2007) panel convergence test. Further, for the robustness of our findings, this study implements the extension of Phillips and Sul’s relative club convergence test, which Kwak propounded in 2021. The results based on Phillips and Sul show divergence in IMR among the states; however, the existence of convergence when 15 states are grouped into different clubs. Four final clubs emerged based on the Kwak test, suggesting that each club has its unique transition path. One group is also identified, suggesting neither convergence nor divergence. From the policy perspective, it is important for the government to target reducing IMR by emphasising at the club level rather than focusing on all states together. JEL Codes: I140, H75