Has this changed India's ‘population explosion’ narrative forever?
According to the United Nations Population Fund, if a country’s fertility rate is lower than 2.1, the current generation is not producing enough children to replace itself, leading to a decline in the population.
The fifth National Family Health Survey (2019-2021) reported that the total fertility rate (TFR) reduced to 2 from 2.2 over the last five years. A change in the TFR is determined by progress or deterioration in family planning, fertility, age of marriage and education levels.
A woman needs to have 2.1 children to keep the balance of births and deaths in a country. Some states in India still have a TFR above 2.1 — Bihar (3), Meghalaya (2.9), Uttar Pradesh (2.4), Jharkhand (2.3) and Manipur (2.2). West Bengal and Maharashtra have the lowest fertility rates in the country at 1.6.
Has this changed India's ‘population explosion’ narrative forever? What will happen to India's demographic dividend? Watch the video to know more.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.