Population and Associated Issues
Population is one of the most important aspects of any society. It not only determines the labour force and consumer base of a country but also influences its economic growth, social development, and resource use.
India, with a population of over 1.42 billion (2023, UN estimate), has become the most populous country in the world. This massive population is both a strength and a challenge. A large number of young people can accelerate economic growth (demographic dividend), but overpopulation can also cause unemployment, poverty, and pressure on resources.
Thus, understanding the population trend and associated issues is essential for policy-making and social development.
1. Trends in India’s Population
| Period | Growth Pattern | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-1921 | “Stagnant Phase” – slow growth due to high death rate | Famines, epidemics |
| 1921–1951 | Steady growth | Known as “Year of Great Divide” (1921) |
| 1951–1981 | Rapid growth due to fall in death rate | Public health improved |
| 1981 onwards | High growth but slowing down gradually | Fertility rate declining |
Note: India is currently in the third stage of Demographic Transition, moving towards stabilisation.
2. Size and Composition of Population
- Population size (2023): ~1.42 billion
- Density of population: ~464 per sq. km (World Bank, 2022)
- Sex ratio (2011 Census): 943 females per 1000 males
- Literacy rate (2011 Census): 74% (Male – 82%, Female – 65%)
- Urbanisation: 31.1% urban population (2011 Census)
Age Structure
India has a young population:
- 65% below age of 35
- Median age ~28 years
This gives India a demographic dividend advantage, unlike ageing populations in Europe and Japan.
3. Associated Issues of Population
(a) Overpopulation
- High population puts pressure on land, water, housing, and jobs.
- Leads to problems like traffic, pollution, and shortage of resources.
Example: Delhi faces severe air pollution partly due to high density of population and vehicles.
(b) Unemployment and Poverty
- Large population means large workforce, but not enough jobs.
- India faces a jobless growth problem.
- Around 7.9% unemployment rate (CMIE, 2023).
Note: Unemployment leads to poverty, migration, and social unrest.
(c) Pressure on Agriculture
- Agriculture still provides livelihood to ~40% of India’s workforce.
- Small landholdings and population pressure reduce productivity.
Example: Average farm size has reduced to less than 1 hectare.
(d) Urbanisation and Slums
- Migration from villages to cities causes urban crowding and slum growth.
- ~65 million people in India live in slums (Census 2011).
Example: Dharavi in Mumbai – one of the world’s largest slums.
(e) Health and Education Challenges
- Large population makes it difficult to provide quality healthcare and schooling.
- Shortage of hospitals, doctors, and teachers in rural areas.
Remark: COVID-19 exposed India’s healthcare limitations due to high population density.
(f) Environmental Pressure
- Deforestation, water shortage, and pollution are linked with population pressure.
- India is the third-largest emitter of carbon dioxide.
Example: Overuse of groundwater in states like Punjab and Haryana.
(g) Gender Issues
- Low sex ratio and preference for sons.
- Crimes against women, trafficking, and domestic violence.
4. Demographic Dividend vs. Demographic Disaster
| Positive (Demographic Dividend) | Negative (Demographic Disaster) |
|---|---|
| Young workforce = more productivity | If jobs not created → unemployment |
| Large consumer base for markets | Pressure on education and health |
| Boost to savings and investment | Rising poverty, inequality |
| Potential for innovation and start-ups | Risk of social unrest, crime |
Note: The challenge is to convert population into human capital.
5. Government Policies on Population
National Population Policy (2000)
- Long-term goal: Achieve stable population by 2045.
- Immediate goal: Address unmet needs of contraception, healthcare, and child immunisation.
Family Planning Program
- Started in 1952 – first such program in the world.
- Promoted small family norm (Hum Do, Hamare Do).
Recent Initiatives
- Mission Parivar Vikas (2016): Focus on high fertility districts.
- Janani Suraksha Yojana: Safe motherhood and institutional delivery.
- Ayushman Bharat: Health coverage for poor families.
6. Role of Education, Women, and Technology
- Education: Reduces fertility rate, increases awareness of small families.
- Women empowerment: Educated and employed women delay marriage and childbirth.
- Technology: Mobile health apps, telemedicine, and family planning awareness campaigns.
Example: Kerala and Tamil Nadu reduced population growth through education and women empowerment.
7. Case Studies
Kerala Model
- High literacy (96%), better healthcare, and women empowerment → fertility rate reduced to 1.8.
Uttar Pradesh & Bihar
- High fertility rates (2.7+) due to poverty, illiteracy, and lack of awareness.
Lesson: Social development is as important as economic development in population control.
8. Way Forward
- Strengthen education and healthcare to reduce fertility.
- Create jobs for youth to utilise demographic dividend.
- Promote women empowerment through skill training and employment.
- Balanced urbanisation – smart cities, affordable housing.
- Sustainable development – manage natural resources wisely.
- Awareness campaigns on family planning and gender equality.
Conclusion
Population is both a boon and a challenge for India. If managed well through education, employment, and healthcare, India’s young population can drive rapid growth. But if left unaddressed, it can lead to unemployment, poverty, and resource crisis.
Therefore, population policies, women empowerment, family planning, and sustainable development must go hand in hand.
Key Takeaway:
India must convert its population from a burden to an asset, ensuring that every citizen contributes productively to the nation’s growth.
