Answer:

Introduction:

The decline in India’s TFR from highs of around 6 in the 1950s to 2.0 at the national level as per the latest National Family Health Survey (NFHS 2019-21) marks a significant shift towards population stabilization. This reduction is more pronounced in urban areas (TFR of 1.6) compared to rural areas (TFR of 2.1), indicating a varied demographic transition across different geographies and socio-economic segments of the country​​.

Body:

Key Factors Leading to the Reduction in TFR

• Government Policies and Family Planning Programs: The Indian government’s proactive approach, including the launch of the national family planning program in 1952, has played a pivotal role. Initiatives like Mission Parivar Vikas target high fertility districts with the aim of increasing access to contraceptives and family planning services​​.
• Socio-Economic Development: Enhanced education, especially among women, and greater participation in the workforce have been instrumental. Women’s empowerment, signified by improved literacy rates and financial independence, correlates with reduced fertility rates​​.
• Health Improvements: Advances in maternal and child healthcare, leading to reduced infant and neonatal mortality rates, have contributed significantly. As the survival of offspring improves, the necessity for larger families diminishes​​.
• Contraceptive Use and Family Planning: Increased access to and use of contraceptives have allowed families to plan the number and spacing of their children more effectively. The NFHS-5 highlights a rise in the contraceptive prevalence rate (CPR) from 54% to 67% at the national level​​.
• Cultural and Demographic Shifts: The delay in the age of marriage and changes in societal norms towards smaller family sizes have also contributed to the decline in TFR​​.

Challenges Arising from Declining Fertility Rate

While the reduction in TFR is a positive development towards population stabilization, it introduces several challenges:

• Aging Population: As the fertility rate declines, the proportion of older individuals in the population increases, raising concerns about the dependency ratio and the adequacy of social security systems.
• Workforce Dynamics: There’s a need to leverage the demographic dividend—an increase in the working-age population—before it transitions into a demographic burden due to an aging population.
• Regional Disparities: Variations in TFR across states highlight the need for targeted interventions to address high fertility rates in certain regions while managing the consequences of below-replacement fertility in others.

Conclusion:

India’s declining TFR is a testament to the country’s progress in socio-economic development, health, and education, alongside effective governmental family planning initiatives. However, this demographic transition also necessitates a strategic approach to harness the demographic dividend, manage an aging population, and ensure equitable development across different regions. As India navigates this complex demographic landscape, it is imperative to balance immediate benefits with long-term sustainability to foster inclusive growth and development.