A population is a distinct group of individuals, whether that group comprises a

nation or a group of people with a common characteristic.

India covers only 2.4% of the land area of the world, but it is home to about 17.5%
of the world population. AS of 1th October, 2024, India’s total population is 1.45
billion surpassing China.

This post on the UN Report on India’s Population Growth has been created based
on the article “India’s population to peak at 1.7bn in 2060s, decline afterwards;
China and Japan’s population to reduce significantly”.

Replacement level fertility is the total fertility rate, the average number of
children born per woman at which a population exactly replaces itself from one
generation to the next, without migration. A TFR of 2.1 is generally considered the
replacement rate.
What is the Population Growth History of India?
 1. Period of Slow Growth Rate of Population (1891-1921) : Between 1891
and 1921, the rate of population growth in India was low. In these 30 years,
the population increased by 1.26 crore. It was so because in these years,
calamities and epidemics, like famines, plague, malaria etc. took a heavy
toll on human lives.
2. Period of High Growth of Population (1921-51) : Since 1921, the
population has been increasing at a rapid rate. The Census Commissioner
has referred to the year 1921 as the Year of Great Divide.
3. Period of Population Explosion (1951-1981): Between 1951-1961 the
population increased rapidly. It is called the ‘period of population explosion.
4. Period of High Growth with definite Signs of slowing down from
1981 onwards: The decadal growth rate during 1981-91 was recorded
23.87 percent as against 24.66 percent during the previous decade (1971-
81). This is a healthy and definite sign indicating the starting of a new era in
the demographic history of India.
5. Recent Population Growth Trends: Despite overtaking China, India's
population growth is slowing. The total fertility rate is below the
replacement level of 2.1 for the first time according to the National Family
Health Survey-5.
What about Demographic Transition?
Demographic transition refers to a process of change in a population's birth and
death rates and patterns over time, as a society moves from a high-fertility, high-
mortality regime to a low-fertility, low-mortality regime. This transition is typically
divided into four stages.

Stages of Demographic Transition:

1. Stage 1: Less developed countries, high birth rate, high death rate due to
preventable causes, stable population. E.g. South Sudan, Chad, Mali etc.
2. Stage 2: Death rates fall due to improved public health but high fertility
due to limited access to health and contraceptive services, spurt in
population. E.g. Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bolivia, sub-Saharan countries such
as Niger, Uganda etc.
 3. Stage 3: Birth rate also falls, population continues to grow due to large no.
of people in reproductive age group. E.g., Columbia, India, Jamaica,
Botswana, Mexico, Kenya, South Africa, and the UAE.
4. Stage 4: Stable population but at a level higher than the initial, low birth &
death rates, high social & economic development. E.g. Argentina, Australia,
Canada, China, Brazil, most of Europe, Singapore, South Korea, and the U.S.

Factors of Population Growth in India

India's population has grown tremendously in recent decades, understanding the

underlying reasons is crucial. Here's a breakdown of the key factors:

1. Social Factors:
i. High Fertility Rates: Traditionally, large families are valued, with religious
beliefs often encouraging childbirth. Lack of access to family planning
services further contributes to higher birth rates.
ii. Low Literacy Rates: Particularly among women, lower literacy levels can
correlate with a lack of awareness about family planning options and
reproductive health.
iii. Child Marriage: Child marriage, despite being outlawed, is still practiced
in some parts of India. This forces young girls to have children before
their bodies are fully developed, often leading to more pregnancies
throughout their lives.
iv. Decreased Death Tolls: India has made tremendous strides in disease
prevention, sanitation, and healthcare throughout the years. Lower death
rates have resulted from these advancements, particularly for children
and newborns. Naturally, the population grows as more people live into
adulthood.
2. Cultural Factors:
i. Son Preference: In some parts of India, a strong preference for sons for
social or inheritance reasons can lead to larger families until a son is
born.
ii. Religious Beliefs: Certain religions may emphasize the importance of
procreation, influencing family size decisions.
 3. Economic Factors:
i. Poverty: In some cases, children are seen as additional laborers or future
financial security, especially in rural areas.
ii. Lack of Social Security: With limited social security systems, families
might rely on children for support in old age, fostering larger families.

Census: A census is a systematic approach to collecting and documenting information

about a population's members. National population censuses usually happen every 10
years and include door-to-door data collection.

Consequences of a Delayed Census

1. Deprivation of Entitlements: Delays in updating data might exclude
approximately 12 crore additional people from accessing subsidized food grains.
2. Resource Allocation Issues: Central government funds to states are often
allocated based on population figures. Delayed census data can lead to
inequitable distribution of resources.
3. Representation Issues: Census data is crucial for determining constituency
boundaries in elections. A delayed census can postpone the redrawing of these
boundaries, leading to unequal representation.
Caste Based Census: A caste-based census would involve collecting data on the
caste affiliations of all Indian citizens. The last one happened in 1931. The
assemblies of Bihar, Odisha, and Maharashtra have passed resolutions demanding
that the 2021 Census exercise be based on caste.
What are the advantages of Caste Census?
1. Data-Driven Policy: A comprehensive caste census would provide detailed
information about various castes, enabling the government to develop targeted
policies and affirmative action programs for truly marginalized groups. This can
replace current policies based on outdated data from 1931.
2. Rationalizing Reservations: The existing reservation system for disadvantaged
castes relies on data nearly a century old. A new census could help identify which
communities have benefited most and potentially adjust reservation quotas to
ensure opportunities reach the most marginalized.
3. Effective Welfare Schemes: Accurate caste data can help the government pinpoint
the most vulnerable communities for targeted welfare programs. For example, a
Bihar survey revealed a significant gap between the eligible population for
subsidized food grains and actual beneficiaries. A national census could expose
similar gaps and improve program effectiveness.
4. Understanding Social Stratification: Caste continues to play a significant role in
Indian society. Caste data can shed light on the socio-economic realities of
different communities, facilitating a more nuanced understanding of social
inequalities.
5. Addressing Inequalities: A caste census could expose the unequal distribution of
wealth, resources, and education across caste lines. This objective data can guide
policy interventions to promote social justice and bridge these gaps in a
democratic way.
6. Fulfilling Constitutional Obligations: Article 340 of the Indian Constitution mandates
identifying socially and educationally backward classes. A caste census could
provide crucial data to fulfill this constitutional obligation.
 7. Intersectionality: Caste intersects with other factors like gender, religion, and
region, creating complex disadvantage. A caste census can reveal these
intersections, allowing for the creation of policies that address these multi-
dimensional challenges.
What are the disadvantages of Caste Census?
1. Caste-Based Political Mobilization: The data from a caste census can be
exploited by political parties for their own narrow gains, fostering caste-
based mobilizations across the country. While India aims to diminish the role of
caste, a caste census would only reinforce its significance. Each caste group would
vie for a share of power, potentially at the expense of administrative efficiency.
2. Impact on National Integration: Counting caste identities could solidify or
harden these identities, which may hinder national integration. Concerns
about these repercussions have led to much of the Socio-Economic and Caste
Census (SECC) data remaining unreleased or only partially released nearly a
decade later.
3. Increased Demands for Reservations: A caste census could amplify
demands for larger or separate quotas. For example, groups like Patels,
Gujjars, and Jats have already been demanding reservations. The caste
census might trigger more such demands, putting pressure on the Supreme
Court to reconsider the 50% reservation ceiling.
4. Complexity of Collecting Caste Data: Enumerating caste numbers in India is a
complex task due to the different spellings of the same caste across states.
Additionally, a caste might be extremely backward in one state but only
moderately so in another.
5. Potential Stigmatization: Revealing caste identities could lead to individuals
being stigmatized or discriminated against based on preconceived notions
associated with certain castes. This could deter honest responses and
compromise the accuracy of the survey.
Way Forward:
1. Sub-categorization of Backward Classes: Instead of pursuing a caste-based
census, the government can focus on subclassifying Backward Classes, as done in
Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and West Bengal. This approach will ensure that
benefits reach the intended beneficiaries. The government has already appointed
the Justice G Rohini Panel for the sub-categorization of OBCs. To expedite the
process, the Panel needs to accelerate its efforts.
 2. Utilizing Technologies to Assess SECC Data: The government can leverage
technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and machine learning to analyze SECC
data and categorize it into meaningful groups.
3. Conducting a Preliminary Census: Independent of the main census, a
preliminary socio-anthropological study can be conducted at the state and
district levels to identify all sects and sub-castes within the population.
What are the Present Population Growth Trends in India?/ What are the
Causes of the Declining Trend of Population?
1. Decline in Population Growth: Percentage decadal growth rate of
population has been declining since 1971-81 at all India levels. However,
significant fall in case of EAG States (Empowered action group states: UP,
Uttarakhand, Bihar, Jharkhand, MP, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan and Orissa) was
noticed for the first time during the 2011 census.
2. Decline in India’s TFR: India’s fertility rate fell below the replacement
level of 2.1 in 2020 and is currently at 1.962. There are only five states in
India which are above replacement level of fertility of 2.1. These states are
Bihar, Meghalaya, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and Manipur.

Declining Fertility in India(Reasons): India's fertility rate (average

number of children a woman has in her lifetime) has been steadily declining
in recent decades. Here's a breakdown of key factors contributing to this
trend:

a. Socio-economic Factors:

 Increased Education, Particularly for Women: According to NFHS-5,

women with higher education have a lower Total Fertility Rate
(TFR). Education empowers women, allowing them to pursue
 careers and delay marriage and childbearing. In Kerala, a state
with high female literacy (92.1%), the TFR is 1.8, well below the
national replacement level.
 Improved Healthcare and Child Survival Rates: As infant and child
mortality rates decline, couples feel less compelled to have more
children to ensure some survive to adulthood. This reduces the
perceived need for large families. India's under-five mortality rate
has significantly decreased from 127 per 1,000 live births in 1990
to 37 per 1,000 in 2020.
 Urbanization and Cost of Living: Urban life is often expensive, with
high housing and education costs. Raising children in cities can be
financially burdensome, leading couples to opt for smaller families.
For instance, Maharashtra, a highly urbanized state, has a TFR of
1.4, while Bihar, a less urbanized state, has a TFR of 3.0.

b. Socio-cultural Factors:

 Shifting Gender Norms and Women's Empowerment: As women

gain more education and employment opportunities, traditional
gender roles are challenged. Women may prioritize careers and
personal aspirations before starting a family.
 Changing Family Structure: The traditional joint family system,
where multiple generations live together, is becoming less
common. Nuclear families are more prevalent, and with fewer
family members to help with childcare, couples may opt for fewer
children

Concerns with Fertility Rates Falling Below Replacement Levels

a. Demographic Disadvantage: Fertility rates below the replacement level

of TFR 2.1 lead to an ageing population, creating demographic challenges
similar to those faced by China.
b. Increase in Non-Developmental Expenditure: A significant drop in
fertility rates increases government spending on pensions and subsidies due
to an ageing population and a shrinking workforce.
 c. Labor Shortages Threatening Economic Stability: A substantial
decrease in the working-age population can undermine India’s economic
and social stability, as seen in Japan’s economic decline due to a shrinking
labor force.
d. Reduced Brain Pool for Innovation: With fewer young people, there is a
smaller pool of potential entrepreneurs and innovators, hindering the
development of new technologies.
e. Potential Social Imbalances: Declining fertility rates can lead to gender
imbalances due to a preference for male children, exacerbating son-
preference and skewed sex ratios.

What Should Be the Way Forward?

1. Women empowerment and education: When women are empowered with

education and access to reproductive healthcare, they gain the knowledge
and agency to make informed choices about the size of their families,
ultimately contributing to population stabilization.
2. Adopt the Scandinavian Model for Supporting New Families: India should
implement the Scandinavian model of supporting new families by offering
affordable childcare, investing in healthcare, and initiating large-scale male-
engagement programs to promote gender equity.
3. Adjust Economic Policies and Agendas: Student Notes: To mitigate the
effects of a declining fertility rate, economic policies should focus on
stimulating growth and job creation, as well as implementing social security
and pension reforms.
4. Design Policies for Ethical and Effective Migration: Policies must be crafted
to facilitate ethical and effective inter-state migration, addressing regional
imbalances caused by falling fertility rates in southern states of India.
3. Improvement in Mortality Indicators: Life expectancy at birth saw a
remarkable recovery from 32 years in 1947 to 70 years in 2019. According
to NFHS-5, Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) stands at 32 per 1,000 live births
which includes an average 36 deaths for rural and 23 for urban areas.

Reasons for High Infant Mortality Rate in India:

4. Increase in Family Planning: According to NFHS-5, overall Contraceptive
Prevalence Rate (CPR) has increased substantially from 54% to 67% at all-
India level and in almost all Phase-II States/UTs with the exception of
Punjab.
5. Improvement in Life Expectancy: As per the recent United Nations
Population Fund (UNFPA) report ‘State of World Population report 2023’: The
 average life expectancy for an Indian male was projected as 71 and 74 for
females, For developed regions, the average life expectancy for males was
projected at 77 and 83 for females-the highest of all, For less developed
regions, the ages are 70 for males and 74 for females, while for least
developed countries, it is 63 for males and 68 for females.
6. Robust Demographic Dividend: India's population offers a significant
advantage in terms of a large workforce, which can help drive economic
growth. India’s 68% population are in the 15 to 64 years age group,
providing a significant contribution to the working or able-to-work
population. India has one of the youngest populations in an ageing world. By
2022, the median age in India was just 29, compared to 38 in China and the
US, 46 in Western Europe, and 51 in Japan.
7. Climate change and migration: Population debates in the past did not
account for the climate crisis and the fact that many migrants are becoming
permanent immigrants. Over 1.6 million Indians have renounced citizenship
since 2011, including over 225,000 in 2022.

Distribution of Population in India:

One of the most important aspects of India’s population is its uneven distribution.

On one hand, population in India is highly concentrated in some pockets, such as

in highly urbanized, industrialized, and in areas of high agricultural productivity.
While on the other hand, there are virtually demographic deserts in high
mountains, arid lands, thickly forested areas and in some remote corners of the
country.

Major factors influencing the distribution and density of population:

1. Terrain: In general, plain areas encourage higher density of population, as

compared to mountain regions. It is because of this reason, that Himalayas
which occupy 13% of India’s land area, support only 1-2% of country’s
population. Also, the great plain of North India which cover less than one-
fourth of country’s land area, is home to more than half of India’s
population.
 2. Climate: The twin elements of rainfall and temperature, play an important
role in determining the population of an area. Regions with harsh climate
are sparsely populated. Example: Western Rajasthan has low density of
population owing to the arid climate. Example: Coastal areas from Gujarat
to West Bengal are densely populated due to moderate climate.
3. Availability Of Water: Water is a basic necessity for irrigation,
industries, transport and domestic use. River plains, coastal areas and
areas around lakes and ponds are densely populated. Example:
Development of irrigation canal (Indira Gandhi Canal) in western Rajasthan
have resulted in greater density of population in the region.
4. Availability Of Mineral Resources: Mineral wealth of a region attracts
settlers. The higher population densities in the Chhota Nagpur plateau
region, and adjoining regions of Odisha are largely due to availability of
minerals
5. Availability of fertile farmlands: In the northern plain of India, where soil in
enriched by the great rivers, high population density is found. Similarly, the
coastal plains with fertile soils have high population density. On other hand,
deserts, mountains with infertile soil have lesser densities.

Factors influencing the distribution of population

Socio-economic -cultural Factors

Industrialization ·Industrial belts attracting large populations, like the Kobe-Osaka region of Japan
Urbanization · Cities offering better economic possibilities, educational and medical resources
Social ·Promotion of migration and settlement in new regions through community
Organization networks
Demographic Factors
Migration ·Migration influenced by push factors (negative circumstances) at the place of
origin and better opportunities in distant lands
Political Factors
Political turmoil · Negative impact on population growth due to conflicts between political parties or
persons of different religious beliefs
Prejudice · Negative impact on population growth due to prejudice or discrimination
·E.g., Delhi Riots 2020, Manipur Riots 2023, etc.
What is the Significance of Population Growth?
1. Better Human Capital: A larger population is perceived to mean greater
human capital, higher economic growth and improved standards of living.
However, if not managed properly it can also lead to war, internal conflicts,
and rupture social fabric.
2. Better economic growth: Better economic growth is brought about by
increased economic activities due to higher working age population and
lower dependent population.
3. High Working Age Population: In the last seven decades, the share of
the working age population has grown from 50% to 65%. This has resulted
in a decline in the dependency ratio (number of children and elderly persons
per working age population). In the next 25 years, one in five working-age
group persons will be living in India.

Consequences of Overpopulation

1. Unemployment:

 It is extremely tough to generate jobs for a large population in a country like India. The
number of illiterate people grows every year due to a variety of factors such as illiteracy, a
lack of resources, the use of old technologies, a low level of investment, and so on.
 According to monthly time series statistics from the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy
(CIME), India’s overall unemployment rate was 8.10 percent in February 2023, but it declined
to 7.6 percent in March.

2. Manpower utilization: Due to the country's economic downturn and the slow growth and
expansion of businesses, there are an increasing number of unemployed people in India.
3. Pressure on infrastructure: Infrastructure development is not keeping pace with population
increase which leads to lack of transportation, communication, housing, education and
healthcare facilities.
4. Resource Utilization: Forests, water resources, and land are all overused.
5. Reduced Output and increased costs: The cost of producing food has increased. The main
impact of excessive population is inflation.
6. Inequitable income distribution: With an increasing population, there is an unequal
distribution of income, and inequalities within the country are growing.

Current Context regarding overpopulation:

 In the new Earth4All Initiative report, the researchers advance two scenarios.
 In the first, called “Too Little, Too Late”, researchers predicted that if economic development
continues as it has in the last five decades, the world’s population would peak at 8.6 billion in
2050, roughly 25 years from now, and decline to 7 billion by 2100.
 In the second scenario, called “The Giant Leap”, the researchers conclude that the population
will peak at 8.5 billion by 2040 – a decade sooner than 2050 – but then rapidly decline to
around 6 billion by 2100.
  This, they say, will be due to our investments in poverty alleviation, gender equity, education
and health, ameliorating inequality, and food and energy security.

Planning in India associated with Population:

 First Five-Year Plan: India began a population control program in 1952.

 Third Five Year Plan: In 1965, the sterilization technique for both men and women was
adopted under this plan.
o An independent department called the Family Planning Department was setup.
 Fourth Five-Year Plan: Birth control measures were encouraged.
 Fifth Five Year Plan: National Population Policy was announced on 16 April 1976 which
increased the minimum age for marriage age for boys from 18 to 21 years and for girls from 14
to 18 years.
 Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth Plans: Focused on controlling the population for long term
demographic advantage.

Population Control Bill Introduced in Lok Sabha:

In December 2022, two Members of Parliament of the Bharatiya Janata Party, Ravi Kishan and
Nishikant Dubey, introduced in the Lok Sabha a private members’ Bill aimed at population control in
India.
Ethical Consideration for Population Control:

 Individual Autonomy: Respect individuals' rights and privacy in making decisions about family
planning.
 Informed Consent: Ensure access to accurate information and empower individuals to make
informed choices.
 Voluntary Nature: Encourage voluntary participation in population control measures.
 Non-Discrimination: Prevent discrimination based on gender, caste, religion, or socio-
economic status.
 Reproductive Health Services: Provide comprehensive reproductive healthcare and family
planning services.
 Sustainable Development: Balance population control with environmental sustainability and
future well-being.

Steps being taken by the government for population control:

1. Mission Parivar Vikas:


o To accelerate the family planning in Indian families.
o Focus of this scheme is to reduce the TFR (Total fertility rate) to 2.1 by the year 2025
in 7 high populated states i.e., Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Assam,
Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Rajasthan

2. Compensation scheme for sterilization acceptors - Under the scheme MoHFW provides
compensation for loss of wages to the beneficiary and to the service provider (& team) for
conducting sterilizations.
 3. Clinical Outreach Teams (COT) Scheme - The scheme has been launched in 146 Mission
Parivar Vikas districts for providing Family planning services through mobile teams from
accredited organizations in far-flung, underserved and geographically difficult areas.
4. Scheme for ASHAs to ensure spacing in births: Under this scheme, services of ASHAs to
be utilized for counselling newly married couples to ensure a delay of 2 years in birth after
marriage and couples with 1 child to have a spacing of 3 years after the birth of 1 st

International Focus on Population

 SDG 3 aims to ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive healthcare services,
including family planning, information, and education, and the integration of reproductive health
into national strategies and programmes.
 SDG 10.7 aims to facilitate orderly, safe, regular and responsible migration and mobility of
people through the implementation of planned and well-managed migration policy.

Conclusion

The government should offer programmes or courses that are employment-related and job-oriented to
help people looking for work. The government might increase employment for the overall economic
benefit of our nation by investing in career-focused training and related economic changes that result
in new skill requirements for the global workforce.

What are the Challenges Associated with Demographic Dividend?

 Asymmetric Demography:
o The growth in the working-age ratio is likely to be concentrated in some of India’s poorest states and the
demographic dividend will be fully realized only if India is able to create gainful employment
opportunities for this working-age population.
 Lack of Skills:
o Most of the new jobs that will be created in the future will be highly skilled and lack of skill in the
Indian workforce is a major challenge.
o India may not be able to take advantage of the opportunities, due to a low human capital base and
lack of skills.
 Low human Development Parameters:
o India ranks 132 out of 191 countries in UNDP’s Human Development Index 2023, which is alarming.
o Therefore, health and education parameters need to be improved substantially to make the Indian
workforce efficient and skilled.
 Informal nature of the economy:
o It is another hurdle in reaping the benefits of demographic transition in India.
What Should be the Way Forward?
 Create Economic Opportunities:
o India needs to create more economic opportunities to fully benefit from its demographic dividend.
o Boost Entrepreneurship:
 Support the growth of small and medium-sized businesses through tax incentives and financial
assistance.
 o Increase Investment:
 Attract more foreign investment by improving ease of doing business, reducing bureaucratic
hurdles, and enhancing infrastructure.
o Promote Digital Transformation:
 Promote digital transformation to unlock new economic opportunities and create more efficient
and productive businesses.
 Invest in high-speed internet connectivity and digital infrastructure to support businesses and
individuals.
 Address Economic Inequality:
o Increase access to education:
 India needs to invest in quality education for all, especially for those from disadvantaged
backgrounds.
o Ensure social protection:
 India needs to ensure social protection for vulnerable groups, such as the elderly, disabled, and
children.
 This can include programs like pensions, disability benefits, and child support.
 Focus on Economic Opportunity:
o Infrastructure Development, Foreign Investment, Fostering Innovation can be helpful for creating
economic opportunity.
APSC 2023Q: Physical Geography Has A Close Relationship With Asia’s Population
Distribution. Discuss Some Examples Where Such A Relation Does Not Hold Good.
Answer: Physical geography generally plays a significant role in shaping the
population distribution across Asia, as factors like climate, topography, and water
availability often dictate where people can live and thrive. However, there are
notable exceptions where population distribution does not align neatly with the
physical geography, influenced instead by historical, economic, political, and
cultural factors. Some examples where this relationship does not hold good
include:

1. Urbanization And Megacities In Unfavorable Physical Environments

 Dubai, UAE: Located in the arid desert region of the Arabian Peninsula, Dubai
has become a highly populated and developed megacity despite its harsh
desert climate and lack of natural water resources. Its population boom is driven
by economic factors such as trade, tourism, and real estate rather than physical
geography.
 Tokyo, Japan: Tokyo, situated on the Kanto Plain, is prone to earthquakes and
other natural disasters due to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire. Despite
this, it has become one of the most densely populated urban areas in the
world, driven by its role as Japan’s economic and political center.
 2. Population Concentration In High Altitudes
 Tibet Plateau, China: The Tibetan Plateau, often referred to as “the roof of the
world,” is one of the most inhospitable environments due to its high altitude,
extreme cold, and thin air. However, it has a significant population of ethnic
Tibetans and other groups who have historically adapted to the harsh
environment, largely due to cultural and historical factors rather than physical
geography favoring habitation.
 Kathmandu Valley, Nepal: The Kathmandu Valley is a densely populated
region located at a relatively high altitude (around 1,400 meters). Despite its
susceptibility to earthquakes, the valley’s fertile land and historical significance as
a trade and cultural hub have attracted large populations.

3. Dense Populations In Low-Resource Or Hazard-Prone Areas

 Dhaka, Bangladesh: Dhaka is one of the most densely populated cities
globally, despite being located in a flood-prone area near
the confluence of major rivers like the Ganges and Brahmaputra. The city’s
population density is driven by economic opportunities rather than favorable
physical geography, leading to significant challenges in managing floods and
other natural disasters.
 Jakarta, Indonesia: Jakarta is highly populated despite being prone
to flooding, earthquakes, and rising sea levels. The city’s growth is more
closely tied to its role as the economic and political capital of Indonesia than to its
physical environment, which poses numerous risks to its inhabitants.
 4. Sparse Populations In Fertile Regions
 Mongolian Steppe: The Mongolian Steppe is a vast, fertile grassland that
could support a larger population through agriculture and animal husbandry.
However, the population remains sparse due to a nomadic lifestyle, cultural
preferences, and historical factors, rather than the land’s physical capacity to
support a larger population.
 Western China (Xinjiang): Western China, particularly Xinjiang, has vast areas
of arable land in the form of oases, yet population densities are low compared to
the more arid but more densely populated eastern regions. Historical, political,
and cultural reasons, including government policies and ethnic tensions, have
influenced this distribution.
5. Desert Regions With Significant Populations
 Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, is located in the heart
of the Arabian Desert. Despite the extreme desert conditions, it has grown into a
major urban center due to its status as the political and administrative capital,
supported by oil wealth and modern infrastructure rather than favorable
physical geography.
These examples illustrate that while physical geography is a fundamental
determinant of population distribution, it is not the sole factor. Human ingenuity,
economic opportunities, historical circumstances, and political decisions can lead
to significant population concentrations even in areas where the physical
environment is seemingly unfavorable. Understanding these exceptions highlights
the complex interplay between physical geography and human activities in
shaping population patterns in Asia.

Question: Critically examine whether ‘growing population is the main cause of

poverty or poverty is the main cause of population increase in India’.

Answer: British economist and philosopher, TR Malthus, in his Essay the Principles
of Population, 1798 says that population would grow in a geometric progression
while food production would increase in arithmetic progression. Poverty is being
deprived of food, medical facilities, education, jobs, shelter, power, basic
amenities, etc.

1. Population Growth as a Cause of Poverty:

 Resource Strain: Rapid population growth puts immense

pressure on limited resources such as land, water, and food. As
the population increases, the per capita availability of resources
decreases, leading to poverty.

 Unemployment: A large population can lead

to unemployment due to insufficient job opportunities. This
results in underemployment and low wages, perpetuating
poverty.

 Dependency Ratio: A high dependency ratio (more dependents

relative to working-age population) strains the economy,
affecting savings, investment, and overall development.

2. Poverty as a Cause of Population Increase:

 Lack of Awareness: Poverty often correlates with low

education and lack of awareness about family planning. Poor
families may not have access to contraceptives or information
about family planning methods.

 Socio-Cultural Factors: Poverty can lead to early marriages

and larger family sizes. Sons are often seen as economic assets,
leading to a desire for more children.

 Healthcare Access: Poor families may lack access

to healthcare, leading to higher child mortality rates. To
compensate, they have more children, hoping some will survive.

3. Vicious Cycle:

 The relationship between population growth and poverty

is circular. Poverty leads to population increase, which, in turn,
exacerbates poverty.
  Breaking this cycle requires addressing both poverty and
population growth simultaneously.

4. Policy Interventions:

 Education: Promoting education and awareness about family

planning can empower individuals to make informed choices.

 Healthcare: Access to quality healthcare, especially

reproductive health services, is crucial.

 Economic Opportunities: Creating jobs and improving

livelihoods can reduce dependency ratios and alleviate poverty.

Conclusion:

 While population growth and poverty are intertwined, focusing

solely on one aspect is inadequate. Integrated policies that
address both poverty reduction and population stabilization are
essential for sustainable development.

In summary, the relationship between population growth and poverty is

multifaceted, and addressing both issues holistically is crucial for India’s progress.

Question: Empowering women is the key to control the population growth.’’

Discuss.

Answer: According to Kofi Annan, ‘there is no tool for development more effective
than the empowerment of women’. Population growth is one of the major
challenges we are facing in our modern society. The effect of indiscriminate
growth of the population is both acute as well as chronic. Controlling population
growth has various measures, and empowering women is one of the most
important methods to control population growth.
Empowering women is the key to Control Population Growth:
Education: One of the most effective ways to empower women is through
increasing access to education. Educated women are more likely to be aware of
and use family planning methods, and they are also more likely to have the skills
and knowledge necessary to secure good jobs and support themselves and their
families. For example – Kerala has more than 90% literacy rates for women which
leads to awareness and translates to low TFR(Total Fertility Rates) of 1.5.
Empowering population through socio-economic initiatives – Bangladesh’s
success in reducing population growth through women’s empowerment initiatives.
In the 1970s, Bangladesh implemented extensive programs focusing on female
education, healthcare, and microfinance.it led to significant decline in fertility
rates from an average of six children per woman in the 1970s to around two
children today. This success was attributed to women’s increased access to
education and economic opportunities, allowing them to make informed decisions
about family planning.
Economic empowerment enables women to have a say in family planning
decisions and reduces the need for large families for financial security.

Independent decision-making: Empowered Women dare to go against their

family decisions. They can have smaller families, which is suitable for effective
population control. We treat them equally and give them the ultimate power to
decide on family planning.
Social prestige and confidence will secure her stout determination to go
against all social pressures. Marriage at an early age can lead to high fertility. To
cope with this situation women empowerment is a necessary and sufficient
condition.
Digital literacy will make them decipher several birth control measures and
their utilities. Educated women make informed decisions about reproductive
health, leading to reduced fertility rates.
Empowered women advocate for gender equality, access to reproductive
healthcare, and smaller family sizes. For eg – in Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Tunisia:
Investments in women’s reproductive health services and access to
contraceptives led to successful population control.
Women’s empowerment fosters societal changes that promote sustainable
population control.
However, there are challenges in the pursuit of women’s empowerment.
 Women Development to Women Led Development should be the philosophy.
Women must be reimagined as architects of India’s progress and development,
rather than women being passive recipients of the fruits of development.The
ripple effects of women’s development are undeniable as an educated and
empowered woman will ensure education and empowerment for future
generations. The government can improve awareness of family planning and the
rights of women, increase access to contraceptives, and strengthen laws on
female feticide and child marriage to control the population effectively. The Beti
Bachao Beti Padhao Yojana, Sukanya Samridhi Yojana, etc. of the government are
the right steps towards achieving sustainable development.

Discuss the role of women in controlling population growth in India. (150 words)

In recent years, population growth has become a major concern for many
countries, including India. The population of India is projected to reach 1.7 billion
by 2050, making it the world's most populous country.
One of the keyways to address the issue of population growth is to empower
women and give them control over their own reproductive health.
Body

 The Current Scenario:

o India is the second-most populous country in the world with a population
of approximately 1.5 billion people. The population growth rate in India is
around 1.2%, which is considered to be high compared to other developed
countries.
 The major reason behind the high population growth rate is the lack of
education and awareness among women about reproductive health and
family planning methods. Therefore, need of the hour to empower women so, that
they can play important role in controlling population.

 The role of women in controlling population growth in India:

o Making informed decision:
 Women's empowerment is crucial in population growth as it gives women
the right to make informed decisions about their own reproductive health.
 When women are empowered, they have the right to access quality
healthcare services, including family planning services, and can choose the
number of children they want to have.

 In India, the government has implemented various programs and initiatives to

empower women and provide access to reproductive health services.
 For example, the Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) program provides financial
incentives to women who deliver their babies in health institutions and undergo
institutional deliveries.

o Role of Education in controlling population growth:

 Education plays a vital role in empowering women and controlling population
growth.
 Women who are educated are more likely to be aware of family planning
methods and have a higher level of decision-making power within their families.

 In India, various programs have been implemented to promote education for girls,
including the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (Save the Daughter, Educate the
Daughter) campaign.
 The campaign aims to promote the education of girls and address the issue of
female infanticide and sex-selective abortions.

o Role in Family Planning Services:

 Family planning services are crucial for women to control population growth.
 In India, various family planning methods, including natural and modern methods,
are available. However, the availability of these services is limited, and many
women do not have access to quality family planning services.

 The government has implemented various programs and initiatives to improve

access to family planning services, including the National Rural Health Mission
(NRHM) program. The NRHM program provides funding for the establishment of
rural health centers that provide family planning services.

Conclusion

 The role of women in controlling population growth in India is crucial. Women's

empowerment and reproductive health rights, education, and access to quality
family planning services are essential in controlling the population growth rate.
 The government has implemented various programs and initiatives to address
these issues, but more needs to be done to ensure that all women have access to
these services. It is important to continue to promote women's
empowerment and provide quality family planning services to ensure
sustainable population growth in India.