(General Studies I – Society Section – Role of Women and Women’s Organization, Population and Associated Issues, Poverty and Developmental issues, Urbanization, their problems and their remedies.)
- It is said that “Demography is destiny”, on the observance of World Poulation Day on July 11. It becomes important to look at India’s demographic journey. Demographics refer to statistical data relating to the population in a region.
- This covers various factors like population growth rate, the percentage of different age groups within the population, the literacy rates, the sex ratio, urban-rural population ratios, etc.
India’s Population Dynamics –
- Fertility, mortality and migration are the three components which plays major role in shaping demographic landscape. India has done outstanding job in reducing its Fertility.
- According to National Family Health Survey-5 India’s total fertility stands at 2.1 in 2021 from the 3.4 in 1992. This number is below replacement levels.
- Demographic profile of India: Age wise
- India’s life expectancy is also increasing
- Mortality rates decreased hence, ageing population
- According to Census 2011 the population above 60 years was 8.6%, but it is expected to rise to 19.5 % by 2050.
Factors Triggered Demographic Transition in India?
- Rapid Economic Development: Economic growth leads to improved living standards, better healthcare facilities, and increased access to education, which collectively contribute to lower fertility rates.
- Reduction in Infant and Child Mortality Rates: Lower mortality rates among infants and children have reduced the need for families to have a large number of children for old-age support.
- Rise in Women’s Education and Work Participation Rates: Increased education and participation of women in the workforce have also played a crucial role.
Demographic Transition and Sustainability –
Development in simple terms is defined as the basic requirements of food, shelter and health for all. ‘No poverty, zero hunger and Good Health’ which forms the core of sustainable development goals (SDG) 2030.
- Hits:
- India made great leap towards eradicating poverty from 48% to 10 % between 1990 and 2019. MNREGA and Janani Suraksha Yojna played crucial role.
- India defied all the western think tanks who questioned it’s ability to feed it’s population. India came up with Green Revolution and became self sufficient.
- The portion of population suffering from hunger reduced from 18.3% to 16.6% between 2001 and 2021.
- To eradicate malnutrition, it came with POSHAN ABHIYAN.
- The Maternal Mortality Rates [ from 384.4 in 2000 to 102 in 2020] and Infant Mortality [ from 66.7 per 1000 in 2000 to 25.5 per 1000 in 2021] has strictly declined.
- Misses:
- Inequality among its population, according to OXFAM 10 % Indians hold 70% of its wealth.
- Inequitable distribution of development among regions.
- Stunting, wasting and underweight is still a wide scaling problem.
- Double burden of communicable and non communicable disease.
Harnessing Dividend and Achieving Sustainability –
- To achieve the SDGs India must have to acknowledge its changing population Dynamics.
- Addressing Inequality among its population.
- Providing economic opportunities for the young mass.
- Better health care facility keeping elderly and Infant population in mind.
- Gender Equality and empowering women would be right step.
India still has a long journey to travel in Achieving its Sustainability targets. We need multi sectorial and collaborative approach with political will. India must have to address issues related to demographic transition and its dynamics for proper policy formulation and their implementation.
