Amid welfare pitch, Kerala ranks highest in most indicators, Pg9

Key Highlights:

• Kerala, holding Legislative Assembly elections on April 9 with results on May 3, leads in key welfare indicators.
• The state ranks high in economic indicators, with the highest average daily wage rate at ₹868.
• Kerala has the lowest Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) in India at 4.4 per 1,000 live births, far below the national average of 35.2 in 2021-22.
• The state excels in education, topping the Gender Parity Index (GPI) with a ratio of 1.44.
• Kerala shows strong infrastructure, with no urban households living in Kachha houses.

Detailed Insights:

• Kerala's strong economic growth is reflected in its high per capita net State domestic product, ranking seventh among 23 states.
• The state's high Human Development Index (HDI) ranking underscores its achievements in health, education, and standard of living.
• While Kerala leads in many health indicators, only about 78% of its child population has received all basic vaccinations, ranking 12th among 29 states.
• Kerala's high Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in higher secondary education surpasses the all-India average, indicating strong educational attainment.
• Despite its strengths, Kerala faces challenges in environmental indicators, ranking among the top states in plastic waste generation and per capita fossil fuel consumption.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Infant Mortality Rate (IMR): The number of deaths of infants under one year old per 1,000 live births.
• Human Development Index (HDI): A composite index measuring health, education, and standard of living.
• Gender Parity Index (GPI): The ratio of female to male students enrolled in education.