Physical Quality of Life Index

Kerala could not have attained the commendable record of the Physical Quality of Life Index without the contribution of women. Indicators of PQLI viz. infant mortality (14%), female literacy (87%), and life expectancy at birth for females (76) are well above all India levels. The focus of the state policies on the service sector such that 37% of the total annual expenditure is earmarked for health and education also commensurate for this unique state of affairs. In fact, the credit for achieving the highest physical quality of life index (PQLI) in Kerala as early as 1951 should go primarily to the high female literacy in the State.