Himachal Pradesh has emerged as a leader in life expectancy among North Indian states, with its residents living significantly longer than those in Punjab and Haryana. Data from the ‘SRS-Based Abridged Life Tables 2020-24’ indicates that Himachal Pradesh boasts a life expectancy at birth of 74.7 years, positioning it as the second-highest in the nation, surpassed only by Kerala’s 75.6 years.
Information was available with The Chenab Times indicating that this vital statistic, released by the Registrar General of India and the Census Commissioner on May 20, highlights a notable divergence in health outcomes across neighbouring states. The life expectancy measure reflects the average lifespan anticipated under current mortality conditions.
Following Himachal Pradesh, another Himalayan state, Jammu and Kashmir, secured the third position with a life expectancy of 74.6 years, while Delhi recorded 73.9 years. In stark contrast, Punjab’s life expectancy stands at 71 years, placing it 11th nationally. Haryana’s figures are even lower, with a life expectancy of 68.9 years, which falls below the national average of 70.6 years, making it one of the states with the fourth-worst life expectancy in the country.
Health economist Prof. Aswini Kumar Nanda attributed Himachal Pradesh’s superior life expectancy to a confluence of socio-economic factors and improved access to healthcare facilities. He stated that Himachal Pradesh offers better access to health services compared to both Haryana and Punjab, which contributes to a delay in deaths. Furthermore, the state exhibits lower rates of road accident fatalities and infant mortality.
Prof. Nanda also pointed to Himachal Pradesh’s higher literacy rates and greater public awareness regarding health matters. He added that the overall standard of living is good, accompanied by less prevalent poverty, all of which contribute positively to longevity. He noted that similar factors are instrumental in the enhanced life expectancy observed in Jammu and Kashmir.
Himachal Pradesh Allocates Higher Share to Health Expenditure
Analysis of Reserve Bank of India (RBI) data reveals a significant disparity in health expenditure among the three states. Himachal Pradesh consistently allocated a larger proportion of its total expenditure to health, starting from 5.9 per cent in 2020-21 and rising to 6.9 per cent in 2022-23, before settling around 5.8-6.1 per cent in subsequent years. This consistent investment contrasts sharply with Punjab, which allocated a mere 3.7 per cent in 2020-21, dropping to as low as 2.7 per cent in 2022-24. Haryana’s expenditure on health was also comparatively lower, fluctuating between 4.4 per cent and 5.2 per cent of its total spending during the same period.
Further substantiating these findings, the National Health Accounts for 2022-23, released by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, showed that the total per capita health expenditure in Himachal Pradesh, encompassing both out-of-pocket and government spending, reached Rs 10,200. This figure is the second-highest in the country, trailing only Kerala’s Rs 13,116. Punjab recorded a per capita health expenditure of Rs 6,321, while Haryana’s was Rs 7,664.
Prof. Nanda commented on these figures, noting that Himachal Pradesh’s prioritization of health is evident in its spending patterns. However, he also acknowledged that Kerala possesses superior health facilities across both public and private sectors, leading many in Himachal Pradesh to seek specialized treatment in Chandigarh.
Life Expectancy Trends in Himachal Pradesh
The life expectancy in Himachal Pradesh has seen a positive upward trend, increasing by 0.3 years from 74.4 years in the 2019-2023 period to 74.7 years in 2020-2024. Within the state, rural life expectancy stands at 74.5 years, while urban areas show a slightly higher figure of 76.1 years. Examining gender disparities, urban males in Himachal Pradesh have a life expectancy of 75 years, compared to 71 years in rural areas. Conversely, rural females enjoy a longer lifespan of 78.5 years than their urban counterparts at 77.1 years.
The Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) serves as a critical indicator of the state’s health infrastructure. In 2024, the IMR for urban areas in Himachal Pradesh was recorded at 11 infant deaths per 1,000 live births, with rural areas reporting 12 such deaths. Historically, in the 1970-75 period, Himachal Pradesh had a considerably lower life expectancy of 52.6 years, while Haryana and Punjab reported 57.5 and 57.9 years, respectively. Significant annual increases, averaging 0.34 years for males and 0.56 years for females, have propelled Himachal Pradesh ahead of its neighbours in longevity.
Life Expectancy Dynamics in Punjab
Punjab’s life expectancy has experienced a modest increase of 0.2 years, moving from 70.8 years in 2019-2023 to 71 years in 2020-2024. In rural Punjab, the life expectancy is 69.7 years, whereas urban areas report a higher figure of 72.8 years, although this remains below the national average of 73.2 years for urban populations. The life expectancy for rural males in Punjab is 67.1 years, falling short of the national average of 67.4 years. Similarly, the life expectancy for urban females in the state is 74.3 years, lower than the all-India figure of 75.1 years.
The Infant Mortality Rate in Punjab for 2024 was 16 infant deaths per thousand live births, with rural areas registering a higher rate of 17 deaths per thousand live births.
Haryana’s Life Expectancy Figures
Haryana has shown a minimal increase in life expectancy, rising by only 0.1 years from 68.8 years in 2019-2023 to 68.9 years in 2020-2024. The male life expectancy in Haryana is 66.1 years, and for females, it is 72.3 years, both figures being below the national averages of 68.7 years for males and 72.8 years for females. In rural Haryana, the life expectancy is 68.2 years, with males at 65 years and females at 72.2 years. Urban areas in Haryana report a higher life expectancy of 70 years, attributed to better healthcare accessibility, with males at 67.9 years and females at 72.4 years.
The Infant Mortality Rate in Haryana for 2024 stood at 24 infant deaths per thousand live births, with rural areas exhibiting a higher rate of 27 deaths per thousand live births.
| State | Total life expectancy | Males’ life expectancy | Females’ life expectancy |
| Himachal Pradesh | 74.7 years | 71.3 years | 78.4 years |
| Punjab | 71 years | 68.9 years | 73.4 years |
| Haryana | 68.9 years | 66.1 years | 72.3 years |
The Chenab Times News Desk