India's Population Surge: Challenges and Comparisons with Global Trends
India's Population Dynamics
India has yet to conduct its latest census, with the previous one taking place in 2011. The 2021 census was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
According to estimates from UN agencies, India overtook China in population as of April 2023. This demographic shift presents both opportunities and challenges; while a younger workforce can drive economic growth, the rapid population increase raises significant concerns regarding hunger, poverty, and overall quality of life.
Holding the title of the world's most populous nation compels Indian policymakers to prioritize strategies aimed at reducing birth rates and improving family planning initiatives.
This situation starkly contrasts with trends in several other nations, where economic development has led to declining fertility rates and a reluctance among younger generations to have children.
For example, South Korea currently has the lowest birth rate globally at 0.72, far below the replacement level of 2.1 needed for a stable population, and is struggling to address this issue.
China, which once held the title of the most populous country, faces its own demographic challenges. The country previously implemented a strict one-child policy to manage its population growth, leading to what has been termed an 'era of negative population growth.'
Despite the abolition of this policy nearly ten years ago, China's birth rate continues to decline, as families recognize the financial burden of raising children. A study from a Chinese Population Research Institute indicates that the cost of raising a child to age 17 averages around $75,700.
In response to this declining trend, the Chinese government has introduced various measures to encourage higher birth rates, including a new subsidy of 3,600 yuan (£375; $500) per year for families with children under three. This initiative aims to alleviate some of the financial pressures associated with child-rearing and is expected to benefit approximately 20 million families, marking a significant shift from previous policies.