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%.
Bu hikaye Hindustan Times Amritsar dergisinin December 11, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Hindustan Times Amritsar dergisinin December 11, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Oppn skips all-party meeting, stormy session expected
DHARAMSHALA: The Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) skipped the all-party meeting called by assembly speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania, a day before the four-day winter session of the Himachal Legislative Assembly is set to commence in Dharamshala on Tuesday.
Punjab farmers to stop trains at 52 places for 3 hours today
Officials say over 20 trains under Ambala Division to be impacted
'One election' bill tabled in House, may be sent to JPC
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.
10 victims from Punjab
Of the 11 Indian nationals who died of \"carbon monoxide poisoning\" in an Indian restaurant in a mountain resort in Georgia, 10 hailed from Punjab.
BILL TO TEST GOVT'S ABILITY TO MUSTER UP TWO-THIRDS MAJORITY
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.
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
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
KIWIS CRUSH ENG BY 423 RUNS TO SEND RETIRING SOUTHEE OUT ON A HIGH
New Zealand tore through England's batting on Tuesday to crush the visitors by 423 runs in the third Test and send Tim Southee into retirement on a triumphant note.
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.
Hayley shines, WI level series with 9-wicket win against India
NEW DELHI: West Indies captain Hayley Matthews led from the front as the visitors levelled the three-match T20I series with a dominant 9-wicket victory over India in the second game at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Tuesday.
