Rethinking New Population Strategy | 23 Nov 2024

Source: IE 

Why in News?

Recently, Andhra Pradesh reversed its longstanding two-child policy, which had been in place for nearly three decades and prohibited individuals with more than two children from contesting local body elections to control population growth. 

• The government argued that the state was facing the challenges of a rapidly aging population and a declining fertility rate, which could have serious long-term economic and social consequences.  

What is the Need of the New Population Strategy in India? 

• Declining Total Fertility Rate: India’s Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has seen a steady decline in recent decades. As per NFHS-5 (2019-21), India's TFR stands at 2.0 children per woman, which is below the replacement level of 2.1, below which the population begins to shrink in the long run.  
  • Some states like Andhra Pradesh (TFR of 1.5) are already well below this threshold, raising concerns about a shrinking workforce.  
  • This demographic shift could result in labor shortages and increased pressure on the working-age population, thereby reducing the potential for economic growth. 
• Demographic Dividend for Economic Growth: With approximately 68% of the population in the working-age group (15-64 years) and 26% in the 10-24 age group, India is poised to become one of the youngest countries globally.  
  • A new population policy is crucial for harnessing this potential and addressing future challenges, along with an adequate investment in education, skills training, and job creation. 
• Aging Population: As per the India Ageing Report 2023 of the United Nations Population Fund, over 20% of India’s population will be aged 60 or above. 
  • An ageing population in India poses challenges such as higher healthcare demand for chronic and geriatric care, necessitating family planning policies that address healthy ageing and elderly care. 
• Resource Scarcity and Environmental Pressure: India's growing population strains natural resources, with cities like Delhi and Bangalore facing severe water stress, as per capita water availability drops. 
  • Furthermore, unplanned urbanization, driven by high population growth, leads to overburdened infrastructure, pollution, and slums, highlighting the need for a new population policy to avoid skewed development. 
• Rising Inequality and Low Living Standards: Rapid population growth strains public resources, limiting access to healthcare, education, and social services.  
  • High fertility rates in impoverished areas exacerbate more comprehensive population policy for economic inequality. 

Way Forward 

• Focus on Voluntary Family Planning: India must have rights-based family planning policies that empower individuals. 
  • Family planning strategies should empower women by enforcing laws against sex-selective abortion, promoting female literacy, and ensuring equal workforce opportunities, alongside education, economic independence, and social security. 
• Emphasize a Region-Specific Approach: Given India’s demographic diversity, a region-specific approach is necessary.  
  • States with high fertility rates, such as Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, may need region-specific strategies, while states with low fertility rates, like Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, require policies tailored to their distinct needs. 
• Family Planning as a Holistic Development Agenda: Family planning should be integrated into a broader socioeconomic development framework.  
  • Linking family planning with education, employment generation, and poverty alleviation will create a more sustainable development model that aligns with India's long-term growth and social justice goals. 
• Strengthen Social and Healthcare Systems: India must invest in healthcare infrastructure and social security systems, especially to address the challenges posed by an ageing population.  
  • Expanding geriatric care facilities, promoting the silver economy, and offering flexible work arrangements for older workers can mitigate the pressures of a shrinking workforce.