Child Development Index

Health and Nutrition,

Cognitive Development/Education,

Safety and Overall Child Environment,

Indexing,

States,

Ranks,

Development of child and mother are the areas, which have received much of the attention in the near past. This is because of the vital role played by them and their contribution to society and economic development. The importance accorded is also due to the fact that they are primarily the neglected category in any developing country, with India being no exception. As children are part of the future human capital, their overall development is of immense importance for an economy. Therefore, the importance of a sound and a just system, which would help towards providing an environment for children contributing towards their overall development, can never be ignored. This study examines the performance of states and districts in India in terms of child development. The performance is measured based on certain key indicators that revolve around three broad areas, namely, ‘Health and Nutrition’, ‘Cognitive Development/Education’ and ‘Safety and Overall Child Environment’.