The correct answer is: b) Slightly lower.
Assam’s infant mortality rate (IMR) is 41 per 1,000 live births, which is slightly lower than the national average of 42 per 1,000 live births. This means that for every 1,000 babies born in Assam, 41 will die before their first birthday. This is a significant improvement from the IMR of 66 per 1,000 live births in 1990.
There are a number of factors that have contributed to the decline in Assam’s IMR, including improved access to healthcare, better nutrition, and increased awareness of health issues. The government has also made significant investments in improving healthcare infrastructure in the state.
Despite the progress that has been made, Assam’s IMR is still higher than the national average of 42 per 1,000 live births. There are a number of challenges that need to be addressed in order to further reduce the IMR, including improving access to healthcare in rural areas, reducing poverty, and addressing the issue of malnutrition.
The following are the possible answers to the question:
- a) Significantly lower: This is not the correct answer because Assam’s IMR is only slightly lower than the national average.
- b) Slightly lower: This is the correct answer because Assam’s IMR is only slightly lower than the national average.
- c) Approximately the same: This is not the correct answer because Assam’s IMR is slightly lower than the national average.
- d) Higher: This is not the correct answer because Assam’s IMR is slightly lower than the national average.