4 December 2024 : Indian Express Editorial Analysis
1. Demography, not politics
(Source: Indian Express; Section: The Ideas Page; Page: 13)
| Context |
| The article discusses the implications of India’s population dynamics on representation, resource allocation, and policy responses, emphasizing the need for equitable and sustainable solutions. |
Revisiting Population Issues and Implications for Delimitation
- India’s population debate has resurfaced with the upcoming Census and the potential delimitation of Parliamentary seats.
- Concerns from Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh about reduced representation have sparked discussions on fertility rates.
- While their remarks encouraging higher fertility may not have been serious, the broader issue highlights the need to reward successful population control measures and avoid penalizing states that have reduced fertility rates.
Political Dynamics and Delimitation Challenges
- The current freeze on delimitation, introduced in 1976 and extended in 2001, may need further extension to prevent political imbalances.
- Alternatives like vote-share-based seat allocation are complex and unlikely to gain traction.
- Maintaining the freeze offers a straightforward way to avoid disruptions while encouraging a balanced approach to population and representation challenges.
Resource Allocation and Population-Based Equity
- Population significantly influences resource distribution from the Centre to states.
- The Finance Commission balances allocations using population data and additional metrics like “demographic change” to reward states with lower fertility rates.
- This approach provides a framework to offset disadvantages for states that have successfully controlled population growth, ensuring equitable resource allocation.
Economic Development as a Long-Term Solution
- Addressing population disparities requires targeted economic growth in lagging states.
- Initiatives like the aspirational district program aim to bridge regional gaps, but more comprehensive and innovative strategies are essential.
- Collaborative efforts between the Centre, states, and the Finance Commission could accelerate development and reduce disparities.
Addressing Fertility Disparities and Population Redistribution
- India’s fertility rate has reached 2.0, below the replacement level of 2.1, but disparities persist among states.
- Raising fertility in low-TFR states is impractical given the socioeconomic challenges of overpopulation.
- Instead, the focus should be on reducing fertility in high-TFR states through women’s empowerment and improved reproductive health services. These measures align with India’s long-term population and economic goals.
A Multi-Pronged Approach to Population Management
- India’s population is projected to peak by 2070, requiring sustainable strategies to manage growth.
- Empowering women, enhancing reproductive health services, and addressing socioeconomic disparities across states are critical to reducing fertility rates.
- A comprehensive, balanced approach is essential to ensure harmonious relations among states and sustainable development for the country.
| Salient Features of India’s Population |
|
With a population of over 1.42 billion, India is the most populous country in the world. Following are the key characteristics of the population of India. Stage of demographic transition: India is currently in the second stage, characterised by a high population growth rate due to the combination of high birth rates and declining death rates. High population density: India’s population density is high and rapidly rising, currently standing at around 464 people per square kilometre. Skewed Sex Ratio: India has a skewed sex ratio, with a preference for male children leading to a higher number of males than females. This has led to an unfavourable sex ratio at birth for children of 931 as per NFHS-5. Youngest Population: India has a relatively young population with 68% of India’s population being between 15-64 years old in 2022. Skewed Population across the states: India’s population is not evenly distributed across the country, with large variations among states. Some states, like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, have a much higher population and density than others, like Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh. |
| PYQ: Critically examine whether growing population is the cause of poverty OR poverty is the main cause of population increase in India. (200 words/12.5m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-1 2015) |
| Practice Question: Discuss the challenges posed by differential population growth rates among Indian states. Suggest measures to address these challenges while promoting sustainable development. (250 words/15 m) |
