Contemporary Debate Over India's Population Resurfaces After Half a Century, Led by Parsa Venkateshwar Rao Jr.
India, currently the world's most populous country with approximately 1.46 billion people [1][2][4], is experiencing a demographic shift that presents both opportunities and challenges. The population growth rate has slowed to about 0.88–0.9% annually, reflecting a transition towards lower fertility rates [1][2][4].
A Youthful Population and Economic Potential
About 66% of Indians are under 35 years old, with a median age around 28–29.5 years [1][3]. This youthful population offers a significant demographic dividend, providing a large workforce that can fuel economic growth if properly harnessed. The large young population supports booming sectors like technology and digital innovation, with cities such as Bengaluru and Hyderabad serving as global tech hubs [1].
Job Creation Challenge
To fully benefit from this demographic dividend, India must create approximately 12 million new jobs annually to absorb its expanding workforce and prevent unemployment-related challenges [1].
Future Challenges
As the population ages, the dependency ratio will increase, potentially burdening social services and healthcare [3]. Regional disparities in population growth and socio-economic development also complicate uniform progress nationwide [1]. Rapid urbanization and population growth strain infrastructure, housing, education, healthcare, and environmental resources, threatening sustainability if expansion is unmanaged [1].
Managing the Demographic Transition
Managing these trends will require targeted policy efforts in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and inclusive economic growth [1][3][4]. India's median age will rise later than other countries as its population begins to age, providing a window of opportunity for reaping the demographic dividend that is expected to last for 38 years before it begins to narrow and close [3].
Looking Ahead
The pressures of climate change will also affect urban populations in India, causing heat stress, water stress, and strain on biodiversity due to diminishing forest cover [1]. To become a developed nation by 2047, India will have to provide adequate living standards to 168 crore people, a challenge that requires increased social investments in areas like education, health, and city development [1].
Sources: [1] The Hindu. (2021, March 14). India's demographic dividend: Can it be a game changer? Retrieved from https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/technology/indias-demographic-dividend-can-it-be-a-game-changer/article33926637.ece
[2] World Bank. (2021). India Population (2021). Retrieved from https://data.worldbank.org/country/india
[3] The Economic Times. (2021, February 24). India's demographic dividend: A window of opportunity or a ticking time bomb? Retrieved from https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/indias-demographic-dividend-a-window-of-opportunity-or-a-ticking-time-bomb/articleshow/81188719.cms
[4] The Times of India. (2021, March 14). India overtakes China to become world's most populous country. Retrieved from https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/india-overtakes-china-to-become-worlds-most-populous-country/articleshow/87457487.cms
Science and Health-and-Wellness in India's Demographic Transition
Managing the demographic transition in India will necessitate targeted policy efforts in various sectors, including healthcare, as an aging population could potentially burden social services [3]. Additionally, the pressures of climate change will affect urban populations, causing health issues such as heat stress and water stress, necessitating the need for robust healthcare programs and infrastructure that can withstand these challenges [1].
Opportunities for Economic Growth and Healthcare Advancements
Leveraging its youthful population, India has potential to drive economic growth through sectors like technology and digital innovation [1]. Concurrently, focusing on improved healthcare and wellness can help prepare this young workforce, ensuring they are healthy and productive, contributing to India's overall development and long-term economy [1].
