Population and Role of Women – UPSC GS1

Half of India’s population is below 29 years of age.

India’s population growth is now stabilising. The Total Fertility Rate (TFR), presently at 2.2 children, will soon reach replacement level (2.1).

Half of India’s population is under 29 years of age. This means a greater proportion of young people will drive India’s economic growth and social progress.

Rural women have little formal education and are in the lowest income quintile.

Prevailing social norms doesn’t allow women to have a say in choosing their family size.

Sample Registration System’s (SRS) data shows progressive policies for maternal health have resulted in improved rates of institutional delivery and a decline in maternal mortality ratio (MMR).  It declined from 327 in 1999-2001 to 113 per 100,000 live births in 2016-18.

National Health Family Survey 5 for the year 2019-20 (NFHS-5) shows contraceptive prevalence has improved in most States.

Programs such as Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) have made some efforts to challenge existing social norms. It has underlined that investments in social causes must go alongside economic progress.

Girls are still marrying too young – 26.8% of women aged 20-24 years are married before they turn 18. Further they often have their first child within the first year of marriage.

India has slipped 28 places to rank 140th among 156 countries in the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Global Gender Gap Report (2021). It is now the third-worst performer in South Asia.

India’s population stabilisation strategy must be adjusted, keeping in mind the rights of women and girls. Placing youth, women and girls at the centre of policymaking and services could trigger a positive ripple effect. 

Young people, and adolescent girls, in particular, should have access to education, relevant skills, information and services to make healthy choices.

They should be empowered to exercise their rights, and have access to opportunities for employment.

Research and practical experience shows that societies are healthier and more productive when women are empowered to make informed choices.