India's Demographic Journey: Achievements and Challenges on the Path to Sustainable Development
Source: The Hindu
For Prelims: World Population Day: Observed on July 11, Total Fertility Rate (TFR) in India, Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR), Global Hunger Index 2023
For Mains: India's Demographic Journey, Progress towards SDGs, Gender Equality,
ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS
- World Population Day: Observed on July 11, established by the UN in 1989 following Dr. K.C. Zachariah's proposal.
- Historical Context: India's demographic challenges in the 1960s and 1970s and subsequent improvements.
Context
As we observe World Population Day on July 11, there is much to look at in India’s demographic journey over the decades. It was in 1989 that the United Nations established the day after Dr. K.C. Zachariah, a renowned demographer, had proposed the concept of a ‘World Population Day’
1.Introduction
As World Population Day is observed on July 11, it's crucial to reflect on India's demographic journey and its implications for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. From averting a predicted demographic disaster to making significant strides in various development indicators, India's path has been marked by both successes and ongoing challenges.
Key Points:
Historical Context:
-
- India was among the first nations to address its population problem in 1951.
- The Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has decreased from around 5.9% in 1950 to 2% currently, as per the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5).
Population Dynamics:
-
- India's TFR has dropped below the replacement level of 2.1.
- Life expectancy has increased, leading to an aging population.
- Migration and urbanization pose challenges to existing infrastructure.
Progress in SDGs:
-
- Poverty reduction: Population below poverty line reduced from 48% to 10% between 1990 and 2019.
- Food security: India became self-sufficient in crop production post-Green Revolution.
- Health improvements: Significant reductions in maternal and child mortality rates.
Persistent Challenges:
-
- Income inequality: Top 10% of the population holds 77% of national wealth.
- Malnutrition: India contributes to a third of the global burden.
- Double burden of diseases: Both communicable and non-communicable diseases pose challenges.
- Gender inequality: Low women's labor force participation and political representation
2.UPSC EXAM NOTES Analysis
- India's demographic journey showcases remarkable progress in controlling population growth and improving key development indicators. The country has successfully pulled back from the brink of a predicted demographic disaster, demonstrating the effectiveness of its population control measures and development policies.
- However, the road to achieving the SDGs by 2030 is fraught with challenges. While India has made significant strides in poverty reduction and improving health outcomes, issues such as income inequality, malnutrition, and gender disparities persist. These challenges, if left unaddressed, could hinder India's progress towards sustainable development.
- The changing population dynamics, particularly the aging population and rapid urbanization, require careful policy considerations. India needs to harness its demographic dividend by creating employment opportunities for its young workforce while simultaneously preparing for the needs of an aging population.
3.Way Forward
- Address income inequality through targeted economic policies and social safety nets.
- Strengthen nutrition programs and increase budgetary allocations for health and nutrition sectors.
- Focus on creating employment opportunities to harness the demographic dividend.
- Implement gender-equal approaches across all sectors to empower women and boost their participation in the workforce and politics.
- Develop long-term plans for geriatric care and social security benefits to address the aging population.
- Strengthen urban infrastructure to manage rapid rural-to-urban migration.
4.Conclusion
India's journey towards achieving the SDGs by 2030 is intrinsically linked to its population dynamics. While the country has made significant progress in many areas, persistent challenges require multi-sectoral collaboration and political will to address. By understanding and effectively managing its population dynamics, India can pave the way for sustainable development that leaves no one behind
|
Mains Practice Questions 1."India's demographic journey reflects both achievements and challenges in its path towards sustainable development." Discuss this statement in light of India's progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. (250 words)
2.Analyze the implications of India's changing population dynamics on its economic growth and social development. What policy measures are needed to harness the demographic dividend effectively? (250 words)
3.Examine the progress made by India in reducing maternal and child mortality rates. What challenges remain, and how can they be addressed to achieve the relevant SDG targets? (250 words)
4."Despite economic growth, India continues to face significant challenges in addressing malnutrition and hunger." Critically analyze this statement and suggest measures to improve India's performance on the Global Hunger Index. (250 words)
|
