India’s fertility rate has been steadily declining. Data from the United Nations Population Division shows a drop from 6.18 in 1950 to 2.0 in 2024. Projections indicate it could further decline to 1.29 by 2050 and 1.04 by 2100.
This trend affects the “replacement level” fertility rate, which is necessary to maintain population stability across generations. If the fertility rate falls below 2.1, the population will begin to shrink as fewer babies are born than people passing away.
India’s Fertility Rate: A Journey from 6.18 to 2.0
The change in India’s fertility rate from 6.18 in 1950 to 2.0 in 2024 is a significant demographic shift that highlights the country’s journey through modernization, socio-economic reforms, and healthcare advancements. Here’s a closer look at these numbers:
Fertility Rate of 6.18 in 1950
In 1950, India’s fertility rate of 6.18 indicates that on average, a woman in India gave birth to more than six children during her lifetime.
Reasons for High Fertility Rate in 1950:
1. Agrarian Economy:
- Families needed more children to work on farms and support the household.
- A larger family was often viewed as an economic asset.
2. Lack of Awareness and Access to Family Planning:
- Contraceptives were either unavailable or not widely accepted.
- Awareness about family planning methods was minimal.
3. Cultural Beliefs and Gender Norms:
- A preference for male children led to repeated pregnancies.
- Large families were seen as a sign of prosperity.
4. High Infant Mortality Rates:
- Families had more children to offset the high infant and child mortality rates due to inadequate healthcare and sanitation.
5. Limited Women’s Empowerment:
Women often had limited access to education and employment, and decisions about family size were predominantly male-driven.
Fertility Rate of 2.0 in 2024
Fast forward to 2024, India’s fertility rate has dropped to 2.0, which is below the replacement level fertility rate of 2.1. This indicates a major transition in demographic behavior.
Reasons for Decline in Fertility Rate:
1. Improved Healthcare:
- Advances in healthcare have reduced infant and child mortality rates, leading to fewer children being born to ensure survival.
2. Economic Growth and Urbanization:
- As the economy grows, the cost of raising children increases, especially in urban areas.
- Urbanization has led to smaller nuclear families with fewer children.
3. Focus on Education and Women’s Empowerment:
- More women are pursuing education and careers, delaying marriage and childbirth.
- Educated women are more likely to choose smaller families.
4. Awareness and Access to Family Planning:
- Government initiatives and NGOs have successfully spread awareness about contraceptives and family planning.
- Couples now have greater control over the size and timing of their families.
5. Changing Social Norms:
- The traditional preference for large families and male children is diminishing in urban and educated sections of society.
Implications of the Shift
1. From Population Growth to Stabilization:
- A fertility rate of 6.18 led to a rapid population explosion, with India’s population increasing from 359 million in 1950 to over 1.4 billion today.
- A fertility rate of 2.0 indicates that population growth is stabilizing, and India is approaching demographic maturity.
2. Economic and Social Transformation:
- The decline reflects better living standards, improved education, and evolving societal priorities.
3. Challenges Ahead:
- While a lower fertility rate has benefits, the rapid decline also brings concerns like an aging population and potential labor shortages in the future.
In conclusion, the shift from 6.18 to 2.0 represents India’s progress over seven decades, moving from a developing nation grappling with high birth rates to a more stable and controlled demographic pattern. However, it also calls for strategic planning to address future challenges of aging populations and sustaining economic growth.
Factors Contributing to Declining Fertility Rates
1. Urbanization:
Urban areas provide better access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities, encouraging smaller families. The fertility rate difference between urban (1.6) and rural (2.2) areas highlights this.
2. Women Empowerment:
Increased access to education empowers women to make informed decisions about family size, effectively curbing population growth.
3. Economic Pressures:
Rising costs of living, especially in urban centers, make raising multiple children financially challenging.
4. Family Planning Awareness:
Widespread availability of contraceptives and education programs enables couples to plan their families better.
5. Delayed Marriages:
Late marriages shorten the reproductive window, reducing overall fertility.
Positive Effects for India
1. Population Control:
A reduced fertility rate helps manage India’s vast population, which has grown from 359 million in 1950 to 1.4 billion in 2024.
2. Improved Living Standards:
Controlled population growth allows families better access to quality education, healthcare, and housing.
3. Women Empowerment:
Education fosters gender equality and ensures more opportunities for women.
4. Sustainable Development:
Slower population growth reduces resource exploitation, paving the way for a sustainable future.
Negative Impacts on India
1. Declining Youth Population:
The current demographic dividend may fade as fewer young people enter the workforce.
2. Population Aging:
By 2050, India will have a significantly older population, putting pressure on healthcare and social services.
3. Economic Challenges:
A shrinking workforce can hinder economic growth, particularly in labor-intensive industries, as seen in countries like Japan and South Korea.
Value of Human Life
Spiritual teachings emphasize the preciousness of human life. Kabir Saheb ji said:
“Manush janam durlabh hai, mile na baarambar,
Jese taruvar se patta toot gire, bahur na lagta daar.”
(Human life is rare and fleeting, like a leaf that once falls from a tree, cannot be reattached.)
True spiritual leaders, such as Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj, explain the ultimate purpose of human life: to worship the Supreme God and attain salvation. Without devotion, life is as unproductive as a well without water.
“Manush janam paaye ker, nahi rate Hari naam,
Jese kua jal bina, banvaya kya kaam.”
In today’s era, the teachings of Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj offers a profound guidance on understanding life’s true value.
Follow Him for more such teachings on Satlok Ashram YouTube channel.
FAQs on Declining fertility rates
1. What are the factors contributing to declining fertility rates?
Urbanization, Women Empowerment, Economic Pressures, Family Planning Awareness, and Delayed Marriages.
2. What are the advantages of a decreasing fertility rate in India?
Population Control, Improved Living Standards, Women Empowerment, and Sustainable Development.
3. What are the negative impacts of declining fertility rates?
Declining Youth Population, Aging Population, and Economic Challenges.
4. What is the “replacement level” fertility rate?
It is the fertility rate needed to maintain population stability across generations (2.1).
5. What is India’s current fertility rate?
The current fertility rate is 2.0, meaning two children are born per woman.
