Population Stabilization | Zoology Optional Notes for UPSC PDF Download

Introduction

• Background: India's population in 2011 was 1.21 billion, making it the second most populous country globally after China. Despite occupying only 2.4% of the world's surface area, India supports over 17.5% of the global population.
• Population Growth Trends: Over the past four decades, India has witnessed a noticeable decline in its population growth rate. Despite the population increasing from 36 crore in 1951 to 121.01 crore in 2011, there has been a significant decrease in both fertility and mortality rates. The crude birth rate dropped from 40.8 per 1000 in 1951 to 20.4 in 2016, and the total fertility rate decreased from 6.0 in 1951 to 2.3 in 2016.

Population Growth Trends in India

• Historical Growth: India's population growth has been "RAPID" since independence, with an average annual growth rate of around 2% for nearly four decades.
• Shifts in Growth Rate: The annual population growth rate increased from approximately 1.25% in 1941-51 to just over 2% in 1971-81. After 1981, the trend reversed, with slower growth from 1981-91 and an accelerated decline from 1991-2000.

Population Stabilization

• Definition: Population stabilization is a stage where the population size remains unchanged, often termed as the "zero population growth" stage.
• India's Goal: India aims to achieve population stabilization by 2045, as outlined in the National Population Policy.

Population Momentum

• Definition: Population momentum refers to the continued population growth beyond reaching replacement fertility levels.
• Delay Factors: Delayed childbearing and increased birth spacing can mitigate the impact of population momentum on population growth.

Factors Influencing Population Growth

• Key Indicators: Several indicators influence population growth, including crude birth rate, total fertility rate, unmet need for family planning, contraceptive use, spacing between births, age at marriage, and first child birth.
• Current Status: Recent data shows declining unmet need for family planning, reduced age at marriage, and improved spacing between childbirths.

India's Efforts in Population Stabilization

• Historical Efforts: India initiated a national family planning program in 1952 and introduced various policy interventions to address population growth.
• National Population Policy (NPP): NPP was introduced in 2000, with the goal of reducing total fertility rates and achieving population stabilization by 2045.
• National Commission on Population (NCP): Established in 2000, the NCP reviews and monitors the implementation of NPP, promoting inter-sectoral coordination and civil society involvement.
• Reconstitution: The NCP was reconstituted in April 2005 with 40 members.

Achieving Population Stabilization

• Government Initiatives: The Government of India has implemented the National Health Mission, focusing on population stabilization and equitable distribution of resources.
• High Fertility Districts: Special strategies are designed for high fertility districts under Mission Parivar Vikas.
• Commitments: The National Health Policy 2017 includes commitments to reduce total fertility rates, maternal mortality, and infant mortality.

Improvements in Health and Family Planning

• Key Indicators: Over the last five decades, improvements have been seen in crude birth rates, infant mortality rates, and total fertility rates.

State-wise Population Growth

• Data: State-wise decadal population growth rates from 1991 to 2011 are provided in the table.

Activities and Initiatives

• JSK's Aims and Objectives: The aims and objectives of the Jansankhya Sthirata Kosh (JSK) are outlined.
• Activities Undertaken: Activities include the Santushti Scheme for high population states, recognition of couples promoting delayed marriages and childbirth, a national helpline, advocacy, and awareness campaigns.
• Closure of JSK: JSK was closed as an autonomous body in February 2019, and the functions were transferred to various divisions within the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.