India's Demographic Transition: Navigating the Dual Challenge of a Youth Bulge and an Ageing Society
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: Indian and World Geography - Demographics (CBR, TFR, population structure, ageing); Social Development; Important Reports (SRS).
Mains:
General Studies Paper 1 (Society & Geography): Population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues; Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India (Demographic Diversity); Role of women and women's organization.
General Studies Paper 2 (Social Justice & Governance): Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population (Elderly); Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health.
Essay: Topics on Population, Demographic Dividend, and Ageing Society.
Key Highlights from the News
Sample Registration System (SRS) 2023 report indicates that India is undergoing a critical demographic change.
The country's Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has decreased to 1.9, which is below the replacement-level fertility of 2.1 required to sustain a generation.
There are significant regional differences within the country: While northern Indian states like Bihar (2.8) still have high birth rates, states like Tamil Nadu (1.2) and Delhi (1.2) have very low rates.
At the same time, the proportion of the country's ageing nation population is increasing (currently 9.7%). Kerala (Kerala) has the highest proportion of elderly people (15%).
India still needs to leverage its demographic dividend. However, the article strongly argues that policies must also be planned in advance to meet the economic, social, and health needs of an 'ageing society'.
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