Question

Which of these is NOT a component of the Physical Quality of Life Index (PQLI)?

• A. Infant Mortality Rate (IMR)
• B. Life expectancy at one year
• C. Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR)
• D. Literacy rate

Hint:

PQLI = IMR + life expectancy at age one + literacy rate. MMR is not one of its three legs.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The Physical Quality of Life Index (PQLI) was put forward by Morris D. Morris as a simple way to compare how well people live across countries, without relying on income alone. We need to find the option that does not belong to it.

Step 2: Key Concept:
PQLI is built from exactly three indicators, each scored on a scale of 1 to 100 and then averaged.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
The first indicator is the Infant Mortality Rate (IMR), which reflects how well a society protects its newborns.
The second indicator is life expectancy at age one, not at birth, because starting the clock at age one removes the heavy pull of infant deaths on the number.
The third indicator is the basic literacy rate, which stands in for education.
Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) is never part of this formula. MMR is tracked separately as a measure of maternal health, not as part of PQLI.

Step 4: Final Answer:
Since MMR is not one of the three PQLI indicators, option (C), Maternal Mortality Rate, is correct.