2008 · Paper IV · 10 marksFrequently asked

Write notes on : (i) Measures taken by the Andhra Pradesh government to empower women. (ii) Infant Mortality and Death rates in Andhra Pradesh in the recent decade.

In short

Andhra Pradesh empowers women through Mission Shakti, SERP self-help groups, the NTR Vaidya Seva Trust, ICDS nutrition and NTR Bharosa pensions, while infant mortality has declined over the decade with more institutional deliveries. The state's fertility rate is 1.7 and life expectancy 70.6 years, both better than national averages.

Model answer

Ghissu Editorial · Verified 4 Oct 2026

Introduction
Women’s empowerment and infant mortality reduction are vital for Andhra Pradesh1’s inclusive development amid demographic shifts and rapid economic growth.
Institutional Measures for Women’s Empowerment
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Mission Shakti2 and Social Welfare3

Mission Shakti provides safety and rehabilitation services, while SERP-promoted self-help groups build women’s economic independence through credit and skills; the NTR Bharosa pension scheme offers financial security to vulnerable women.

•

Health Infrastructure and Education

Dr. NTR Vaidya Seva Trust and AP Vaidya Vidhana Parishad enhance maternal and child health services; ICDS Scheme and Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan improve female nutrition and literacy, foundational for empowerment.

Challenges and Health Outcomes
•

Healthcare Resource Shortfalls

CAG 20244 report reveals critical vacancies and inadequate community health centres, limiting effective maternal and infant care delivery.

•

Infant Mortality and Fertility Trends

Infant mortality rates have declined due to increased institutional deliveries under schemes like Janani Suraksha Yojana; total fertility rate is 1.7, below the national average of 2.0, indicating progress.

•

Access Barriers Persist

Two-thirds of women face financial and logistical hurdles accessing healthcare, reflecting persistent socio-economic challenges that limit empowerment and health improvements.

Way Forward
•

Strengthen Workforce and Monitoring

Incentivize rural health postings, expand training programs, and improve welfare fund accountability to enhance maternal and infant healthcare quality and scheme delivery.

•

Expand Nutritional and Digital Support

Scale up nutrition programs targeting adolescent girls and pregnant women to reduce anaemia; increase rural internet access to boost awareness and uptake of government schemes.

Conclusion
Andhra Pradesh’s multi-sectoral approach has advanced women’s empowerment and infant health, but addressing implementation gaps is essential for sustainable progress aligned with SDG 3 and SDG 5.

This model answer is indicative and the model can make mistakes; please verify key facts independently.

Hand-drawn diagram: Infant Health in AP. Infant Health in AP. Diagram (iceberg): Infant Health in AP; Falling IMR; Fertility rate 1.7; Life expectancy 70.6; Medical staff vacancies; Too few health centres; Access barriers for women
Diagram: Infant Health in AP

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Inclusive Growth: India and AP schemes49 questions

Asked in 8 of 8 sittings since 2008

2008
6
2011
7
2012
5
2016
9
2017
9
2020
2
2023
4
2025
7

Most tested: Women empowerment and poverty reduction through AP welfare and credit-linked institutions

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Question from the official APPSC Group-I Mains 2008 paper. Answer written by Ghissu's engine and checked against our editorial standards. Found an error? Tell us and we correct it within 48 hours.

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