India, once synonymous with rapid population growth, is now witnessing a declining birth rate. According to United NationsThe country’s birth rate is projected to drop to 2 children per woman by 2024, a sharp decline from 6.2 in 1950. Here are all the details we need regarding its causes, effects and national implications.
Why is the birth rate falling?
Several factors contribute to the declining birth rate in India:
- Urbanization and modern lifestyles: Due to better access to education, professions and health care, urban women often choose to raise small families.
- Delayed marriages, when combined with an emphasis on career advancement, shorten the reproductive period.
- Family Planning and Awareness: Better access to contraception and family planning services has empowered couples to decide their family size.
- Economic pressures: The rising cost of living, especially in cities, makes raising multiple children financially difficult.
This pattern is not unique to India, with countries as diverse as Japan and South Korea already grappling with low birth rates that have global implications.
Positive effects: Better distribution of resources and quality of life
Falling fertility rates aren’t all doom and gloom. It can also have some positive aspects associated with it:
- Improved quality of life: With less dependency, families can have better access to quality education, health care and housing.
- Sustainable resource management: A slow population growth reduces pressure on natural resources such as water, land and energy.
- Focus on women’s empowerment: Smaller families can provide more opportunities for women to pursue education and careers.
These changes could position India as a country with increased productivity and better quality of life.
Adverse effects: economic and demographic challenges
A reduced reproductive rate has benefits, but it can also present serious problems, such as:
- Aging population: India’s elderly population is expected to increase significantly by 2050, which will ultimately put pressure on healthcare facilities.
- Labor shortages: Economic growth can be hampered by a small labor force, especially in labor-intensive industries.
- Shrinking Youth Population: With a large portion of the population under the age of 25, India is currently enjoying a demographic dividend. Over time, this benefit may be reduced by declining fertility rates.
These problems are similar to those in nations like Japan, where a growing population results in economic stagnation.
How will it shape India’s future?
India’s declining fertility rate will reshape the socio-economic landscape of the country:
- As the aging population continues to grow, the demand for geriatric care will increase.
- With fewer children, there is an opportunity to invest more in quality education and vocational training for young people.
- Urban areas may adapt better because of existing health care and infrastructure, but rural areas may struggle with an aging population.
Policymakers must balance these changes by fostering innovation and strengthening safety nets.
By 2050, the global birth rate is expected to decrease from 2.3 in 2021 to 1.8. However, it is expected that low-income nations will retain higher rates, highlighting significant differences.