Despite achieving replacement-level fertility, India now faces the challenge of below-replacement fertility, which presents new socio-economic hurdles.
India's total fertility rate (TFR) fell to 2.0 in 2019-21, below the replacement threshold of 2.1. Urban areas report a TFR of 1.6, while rural areas remain at 2.1, with only five states-UP (2.3), Bihar (3.0), Jharkhand (2.3), Meghalaya (2.9) and Manipur (2.2)-exceeding this level. Equally important is the net reproduction rate (NRR), which for India is below 1. It suggests the total population will gradually decline as there aren't enough daughters being born to replace the current generation. Can India capitalise on this change for sustainable development, or does it signal an impending crisis?
India has long been seen as poised to benefit from a demographic dividend-a youthful working-age population that could drive economic growth. However, this is contingent on policies that translate a large working-age population into actual economic participation. India's persistently low labour force participation rates pose a significant challenge. So, can India fully harness its demographic dividend when a substantial portion of its population remains economically inactive or underemployed?
This story is from the January 03, 2025 edition of The New Indian Express Bengaluru.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the January 03, 2025 edition of The New Indian Express Bengaluru.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
The twist in Choo Mantar will keep audiences on the edge of their seats
... says Aditi Prabhudeva, who, along with Meghana Gaonkar, Prabhu Mundkur, and Kiran Chandrashekar speaks about the upcoming horror film Choo Mantar
Rajkumar Periasamy teams up with Bhushan Kumar
MARAN filmmaker Rajkumar Periasamy and T-Series managing director and producer Bhushan Kumar have announced a new project.
Growing roots of an urban home
Landscape architect Anita Tikoo's Delhi home, with its interwoven gardens spread across multiple levels, demonstrates the potential of small urban spaces to nurture a life connected to nature.
Independent Cinema Doesn't Have a Support System in India
Producers Guneet Monga and Achin Jain reflect on the shrinking space for indie projects in the country, the rising costs of filmmaking and distribution, and why Kill got a lukewarm response
Brides, Self-Love Is Key
With the wedding season at its peak, celebrity makeup artist Sandeep Molugu, who has worked with celebs like Bollywood star Deepika Padukone and shuttler PV Sindhu, shares key styling tips for brides
DON'T STRESS OUT to avoid rapid ageing, comorbidities
FOR six months, Akshay (name changed), an expat in Dubai, had been experiencing abdominal bloating sensation, pain in the abdomen, and constipation.
Raising the bar pays off for hockey coach Sangwan
A SNUB can either break one down or spur the individual on to scale new heights. Unfortunately, a majority of people end up heartbroken. But a better future awaits those who manage to swallow the bitter pill. Haryana hockey coach Sandeep Sangwan falls under the second category.
Focus on TOPS list as new-look MOC set for 1st significant meet today
NEW Year, new dawn, so it seems for the sports ministry's Mission Olympic Cell that is expected to meet on Tuesday.
Finding Roots of Enigmatic Cummins
The Australian captain's on-field success and personality off of it are intertwined and it goes back to his upbringing
Maiden ODI call-up for Bist against Ireland
AFTER nine white ball fixtures in less than a month, three against Australia in the away series and six against West Indies at home, India's regular captain Harmanpreet Kaur and pacer Renuka Singh Thakur have been rested for the three ODIs against Ireland.
