As India continues to grapple with developmental challenges, there have been increasing calls from political leaders to boost the country’s birth rate. Recently, prominent figures like Andhra Pradesh’s Chandra Babu Naidu and Tamil Nadu’s MK Stalin have urged families to have more children, with state-backed incentives to encourage childbirth. Their concern? Fertility rates have dipped below the replacement level of 2.1 in their states, potentially shrinking the working-age population over time and impacting economic growth. However, the real problem lies elsewhere, and population growth is not the answer.
The Alarming Growth of Population
Fifty years ago, India’s population stood at 548 million, as recorded in the 1971 census. Today, that figure has surged to around 1.46 billion, nearly tripling in just over five decades. Globally, the population expanded from 3.69 billion in 1970 to 8.2 billion in 2024. Such rapid growth is neither sustainable nor desirable, particularly when viewed against the backdrop of climate change, depleting natural resources, and rising economic inequality.
The 20th century was marked by massive improvements in healthcare, drastically reducing infant mortality and increasing life expectancy. Yet, with high birth rates, the world’s population exploded at an unprecedented rate, increasing nearly fourfold from 1.6 billion in 1900 to 6.17 billion by 2000. The period from 2000 to 2024 saw another two billion added to the global population. Such growth rates are no longer feasible for the planet’s ecological balance.
India’s Success in Population Control
India has made commendable progress in reducing fertility rates. From a high of 5.2 in 1971, the fertility rate now stands at 1.94 nationwide. Even states like Bihar, UP, and Jharkhand—traditionally known for higher fertility rates—are expected to reach a level of 2.1 within a few years. This progress has been achieved without coercion, but through the empowerment of women, improved education, economic growth, and better healthcare facilities.
The societal shift towards smaller families reflects aspirations for better quality of life, economic security, and enhanced opportunities for children. Attempting to reverse this trend by incentivizing higher birth rates is counterproductive and short-sighted.
Why Population Growth Is Not the Solution
Fears about a declining workforce are unfounded. India’s primary challenge is not a shortage of people but a lack of investment in quality education, skill development, and employment opportunities. Despite the large youth population, the country continues to struggle with high unemployment rates, governance failures, and political mismanagement.
Instead of adding more people to an already strained system, efforts should be directed towards nurturing the potential of the existing population. If India truly wishes to sustain economic growth, it must focus on creating jobs, enhancing productivity, and building robust infrastructure rather than pushing for higher birth rates.
Addressing the Real Issues
If labor shortages become a concern, internal migration and technological advancements can easily compensate. Encouraging people to move where jobs are available and investing in developing small towns into economic hubs can ensure balanced growth. The focus should be on education, skill enhancement, productivity, infrastructure, and investment.
Furthermore, providing quality education to all children, irrespective of their socio-economic background, is essential. In India, the future of the vast majority of children is still determined by the circumstances of their birth, not by their talent or hard work. Bridging this gap is essential for economic growth and social stability.
Conclusion
India’s success in reducing its fertility rate is an achievement to be celebrated, not reversed. Instead of promoting population growth, the focus should be on better governance, improved education, skill development, and meaningful employment opportunities. Pursuing a policy of higher birth rates while failing to address these underlying issues is nothing but a recipe for disaster. It’s time for India to harness its demographic dividend wisely, rather than sabotaging it by chasing outdated ideas.
Author: This news is edited by: Abhishek Verma, (Editor, CANON TIMES)
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