The fear that a society with a total fertility rate (TFR) - the average number of children a woman has over her lifetime - below 2.1 could "disappear from the face of the earth" is totally unfounded.
The statement sparked fresh panic, as many who were lamenting a "population explosion" until a week ago now began handwringing about a "population collapse".
However, these calls to increase family size are not just misguided, they are fundamentally flawed.
They undermine women's autonomy and overlook the nuanced measures India needs to address its demographic challenges.
India's population dynamics demand thoughtful consideration, not alarm.
In 2023, the country surpassed China as the world's most populous nation.
Its TFR, a crucial demographic indicator, has declined significantly from 3.4 in 1992-93 to 2.0 in 2019-21, dipping below the replacement level of 2.1.
This trend, akin to patterns observed in developed nations, signifies societal progress facilitated by broader access to education, health care, and family planning services.
According to United Nations projections, India's population is expected to peak at 1.7 billion in the 2060s and gradually decline to 1.5 billion by 2100.
This demographic dividend - its large and youthful population - offers an incredible opportunity to reshape the nation's future.
With over 365 million young people aged 10 to 24, India is set to have one of the biggest workforces in the world in the next three decades.
But this potential can be unlocked only if we invest in quality education, child nutrition, accessible health care, skill development, and meaningful jobs.
In the long run, India must also prepare for a steadily ageing population over the next few decades.
By 2050, the proportion of Indians over the age of 60 is projected to double, rising from the current 10% to 20%.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
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 {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
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
ONOP will test govt's ability to muster up two-thirds majority
NEW DELHI: The NDA government's ambitious plan for simultaneous national and state polls could be a test of its ability to muster the requisite numbers as it doesn't have a two-thirds majority needed to push through a Constitution amendment under Article 368 in the Lok Sabha.
BJP govts to soon bring UCC in every state: Shah
NEW DELHI: The Uniform Civil Code (UCC) implemented by Uttarakhand is a model law that will be debated widely and then the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) governments will bring a common civil code in all states,
ONOP will test govt's ability to muster up two-thirds majority
NEW DELHI: The Union government on Tuesday introduced in the Lok Sabha two bills aimed at ushering in simultaneous state and national elections amid loud protests by the Opposition - taking the first step towards implementing sweeping changes in the way polls are conducted in the world's largest democracy.
'One election' bill tabled in LS, to be sent to JPC
NEW DELHI: The Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024, and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024, was formally introduced in the Lok Sabha after a division of votes.
Shah slams Cong in Constitution debate
Asserting that India's democracy is deep-rooted, Union home minister Amit Shah said on Tuesday that the people of the country through the Constitution have given an appropriate response to those who used to say that India will not become powerful economically.
How the challenge of batting in Oz changed
KOOKABURRA RELEASED A REDESIGNED BALL FOR TESTS IN 2021 THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO MAKE THE GAME MORE EXCITING, BUT IT HAS ONLY MADE BATTING MORE DIFFICULT
Grit in the tail frustrates the hosts, India avoid follow-on
Like in 2021, there was defiance in the damp air of Gabba as Deep and Bumrah steer India towards a likely draw on Day 4
Jhulan Goswami stand: Another historic moment at Eden Gardens
KOLKATA: At 6.58pm on a misty winter evening near the Eden Gardens change rooms, Jhulan Goswami took the stage. And said she was speechless.
PRITHVI SHAW NOW AXED FROM MUMBAI VIJAY HAZARE SQUAD
MUMBAI: In a forgettable season, Prithvi Shaw received another jolt when the Mumbai selectors ignored his superb record in List A cricket by dropping him from the squad for the upcoming 50-over Vijay Hazare Trophy tournament.
DDCA head Jaitley calls it mandate for hard work
Newly elected president of Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) Rohan Jaitley on Tuesday promised to build a new cricket stadium in the capital and address the selection controversies surrounding the senior and age-group teams.
