Examine the different aspects of the growth of population in India during 1951-1981 and 1981-2021.

Question -Examine the different aspects of the growth of population in India during
1951-1981 and 1981-2021.

The correct answer is -The growth of population in India can be examined by looking at the different aspects of population growth during two distinct time periods: 1951-1981 and 1981-2021.

1. 1951-1981: During this period, India’s population grew at a rapid pace, with an average annual growth rate of 2.2%. The main reasons for this growth were high birth rates and declining death rates due to improvements in healthcare and sanitation. The fertility rate during this period was around 6 children per woman, and the infant mortality rate declined from 146 per 1,000 live births in 1951 to 89 per 1,000 live births in 1981.

2. 1981-2021: The population growth rate during this period slowed down to an average of 1.6% per year. This can be attributed to a decline in fertility rates, which fell from 4.5 children per woman in 1981 to 2.2 children per woman in 2021. The decline in fertility rates can be attributed to several factors, including improvements in education and healthcare, increased access to family planning services, and changes in social norms and attitudes.

Other notable aspects of population growth during this period include:

• Age structure: The proportion of elderly people (above 60 years) has increased from 5.2% in 1981 to 8.6% in 2021, while the proportion of children (below 15 years) has declined from 41.2% in 1981 to 25.3% in 2021. This shift in age structure has implications for healthcare, social security, and economic development.

• Urbanization: The proportion of the population living in urban areas has increased from 23.6% in 1981 to 34.3% in 2021. This has led to increased demand for urban infrastructure, housing, and services, as well as challenges related to urban poverty, slums, and environmental degradation.

• Gender ratio: The gender ratio in India has become increasingly skewed, with a decline in the number of females per 1,000 males. This can be attributed to a variety of factors, including gender-based discrimination, sex-selective abortions, and female infanticide.

In conclusion, the growth of population in India has undergone significant changes over the past few decades, with a decline in fertility rates and changes in age structure, urbanization, and gender ratios. These changes have important implications for social and economic development, and will require continued attention and policy action to ensure sustainable population growth and development.