How India Progressed?
The decline in population growth can be attributed to
- increasing alleviation of poverty
- rising education levels, especially among women
- growing urbanization.
Indian states are expected to hit replacement fertility levels of 2.1 children per woman by 2021. Fertility rate has already declined to an average of 2.2 in 2017, according to a government survey of 22 major states, while urban fertility has already fallen below replacement level, to 1.7 children per woman.
- growing urbanization.
Indian states are expected to hit replacement fertility levels of 2.1 children per woman by 2021. Fertility rate has already declined to an average of 2.2 in 2017, according to a government survey of 22 major states, while urban fertility has already fallen below replacement level, to 1.7 children per woman.
Fertility Rate and Other Factors
Fertility Rate in India has fallen so much in fact that the country may already be below the replacement rate – the minimum fertility level needed for the current generation to replace itself. While 2.1 is typically the rate cited in the media as the minimum level needed to achieve replacement fertility, the replacement fertility rate actually varies depending on the level of infant and child mortality in a given country.
UN report finds that population growth rate slowed considerably in the 2010-2019 period but the situation in UP, MP and Bihar still cause for concern.
Why Bihar Still Lags Behind?
Let’s look into the situation with an example -
“If it were up to her, Saroja Devi, 23, from Gaya, southern district of Bihar would not have had three children. But it is not up to her. Her husband opposed contraceptives and surgical sterilisation, and she does not dare defy him”
This predicament is shared by majority of women in UP, Bihar and MP. According to India Spend Survey, more than 90% of women discuss family matters with husbands but only 18% of them had a say in the final decision.
One in three women in Bihar has had an unplanned child, according to a 2018 paper by the Asian Development Research Institute. And only one in three married women had access to family planning services. The state’s health department failed to provide contraception to nearly 4 million couples in Bihar.
How to Control Population Growth?
Social Measures
- Minimum Age of Marriage
Marriages at tender ages can lead to large span for giving birth. Young people lack enough awareness and education to raise too many children.
- Raising the Status of Women
Women should be given equal opportunities for self-development. Free education must be provided to all women. They should be given equal voice in family planning.
- Spread of Education
Education can change the outlook of the society. Educated men would prefer small families. Educated women are health conscious and would contribute in lowering birth rate.
- Adoption
Adoption is an advisable option for couples who do not have children. Government must provide incentives to encourage this practice.
- Social Security
People should be covered by social security schemes, especially, old people, people with chronic illness etc…
Economic Measures
- More Employment Opportunities
Government must raise new avenues for employment both in rural and urban areas. With their income increased people would adopt small family norms. Providing employment opportunities for women is the best way to check the population growth.
- Providing Incentives
Providing health, educational or financial incentives can help reduce population growth. Incentives like providing free education for single child or paying a certain amount to people with not more than two kids.
Other Measures
- Medical Facilities
Availability of good hospitals are city centric in most of the developing countries. Due to high infant mortality in rural areas, women give birth to more children to ensure that at least some of them live.
- Legislative Actions
Family planning and use of contraception must be made mandatory through legislative actions.
- Spreading Awareness
People must be made aware of consequences of having too many children.
Written by - Abija PB.
Edited by - Gunika Manchanda
.jpeg)
0 Comments