Population Growth and Economic Development in India

Posted on May 7, 2024 in Geography

CAUSES FOR HIGH BIRTH RATE:

Though India’s birth rate has declined from 39.9 per 1000 in 1951 to 21.4 per 1000 in 2013, it remains high compared to other countries. Several factors contribute to this:

Social and Cultural Factors:

  • Universality of Marriage and Low Marriage Age: Marriage is considered a necessity, and the low age of marriage (18 for girls, 21 for boys) leads to a longer reproductive span.
  • Agricultural Economy: The agricultural nature of the economy, with readily available jobs, encourages larger families in rural areas.
  • Poverty, Illiteracy, and Ignorance: Poverty, coupled with a lack of awareness about birth control and the benefits of smaller families, contributes to high birth rates.
  • Customs and Traditions: Strong religious beliefs and the preference for male children, particularly among Hindus, also play a role.

CAUSES FOR THE RAPIDLY DECLINING DEATH RATE:

Several factors have contributed to a decline in India’s death rate:

Advancements in Healthcare and Infrastructure:

  • Medical Advancements: Significant progress in medicine, including the availability of life-saving drugs and effective control of diseases, has increased life expectancy.
  • Better Transport and Communication: Improved infrastructure enables the government to respond effectively to calamities, saving lives.
  • Higher Income and Better Literacy Rate: Increased income levels and literacy rates have led to improved living standards and greater awareness of healthcare.
  • Positive Attitude and Economic Growth: Changing attitudes, particularly towards women’s education and economic participation, along with economic growth and development, have further enhanced living standards and life expectancy.

DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE OF INDIA:

India’s demographic profile exhibits several key characteristics:

Population Growth and Age Composition:

  • Rate of Growth: While historically high, the population growth rate has declined to 1.64% as per the 2011 census.
  • Age Composition: The working-age population (15-59 years) constitutes a significant portion, around 730 million.

Population Density and Sex Ratio:

  • Density of Population: Population density has increased to 382 persons per sq. km. in 2011, with variations across states.
  • Sex Composition: The sex ratio remains skewed, with 943 females per 1000 males in 2011, despite slight improvements.

Rural-Urban Distribution and Literacy:

  • Rural-Urban Population: The urban population has been increasing, reaching 31.2% in recent times.
  • Literacy Rate: Literacy rates have shown significant improvement, reaching 73% by 2011, with variations between genders and states.

NATIONAL POPULATION POLICY OF 2000:

The National Population Policy of 2000 outlines various objectives, including:

  • Reducing maternal and infant mortality rates.
  • Providing information and counseling services on family planning.
  • Promoting universal immunization and disease control.
  • Delaying the age of marriage, particularly for girls.
  • Creating awareness about small family norms.
  • Empowering women through education and employment opportunities.
  • Improving healthcare infrastructure and delivery systems.

EXTENT OF POVERTY:

Estimates of poverty in India vary depending on the criteria used. Different organizations and economists have provided estimates ranging from 29.9% to 48.3% of the population living below the poverty line.

CAUSES OF POVERTY:

Several factors contribute to poverty in India:

  • Rural Population and Land Distribution: A large rural population with limited land ownership and exploitative agrarian relations.
  • Population Growth and Inflation: Rapid population growth strains resources and inflation erodes purchasing power, disproportionately affecting the poor.
  • Low Labour Productivity and Technological Developments: Low productivity and technological advancements can exacerbate inequalities and challenges for the poor.
  • Lack of Jobs and Inadequate Infrastructure: Limited employment opportunities, coupled with inadequate infrastructure, particularly in urban areas, contribute to poverty.

MEASURES TAKEN BY THE GOVERNMENT TO ERADICATE POVERTY:

The government has implemented various schemes and programs to address poverty, including:

  • Direct Benefit Transfers (DBTs): Utilizing the JAM trinity (Jan Dhan accounts, mobile numbers, and Aadhar) to ensure direct delivery of benefits to target groups.
  • Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY): Providing LPG connections to BPL families to promote clean cooking fuel.
  • Ayushman Bharat Yojana (ABY): Offering health insurance coverage to BPL families.
  • National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM): Promoting self-employment and micro-enterprises through self-help groups.
  • Antyodaya Anna Yojana: Providing subsidized food grains to the poorest of the poor.

EXTENT OF INEQUALITY:

Estimates of income inequality in India indicate a significant gap between the rich and the poor, with the top 20% of the population holding a disproportionate share of national income.

CAUSES OF INEQUALITY:

Several factors contribute to income inequality:

  • Unequal Land and Industrial Asset Distribution: Skewed ownership of land and industrial assets concentrates wealth in the hands of a few.
  • Disparities in Education and Employment Opportunities: Limited access to quality education and employment opportunities for the underprivileged perpetuates inequality.
  • Inheritance Laws and Private Property: The right to private property and inheritance can exacerbate existing inequalities.
  • Inflation and Inadequate Credit Facilities: Inflation disproportionately affects the poor, and limited access to credit hinders upward mobility.

TYPES OF UNEMPLOYMENT:

Unemployment in India manifests in various forms:

  • Involuntary or Open Unemployment: Individuals willing and able to work but unable to find employment.
  • Seasonal Unemployment: Unemployment due to seasonal variations in economic activity, particularly in agriculture.
  • Frictional Unemployment: Temporary unemployment due to factors like raw material shortages or labor strikes.
  • Structural Unemployment: Unemployment arising from structural changes in the economy, such as technological advancements or shifts in demand.

CAUSES OF UNEMPLOYMENT:

Both rural and urban areas face distinct causes of unemployment:

Rural Unemployment:

  • Rapid population growth and limited non-agricultural job opportunities.
  • Heavy dependence on agriculture and its seasonal nature.
  • Outdated agricultural practices and decline of village industries.

Urban Unemployment:

  • Urban population growth and migration from rural areas.
  • Increase in educated individuals without corresponding job opportunities.
  • Industrial sickness and labor disputes.

EFFECTS OF UNEMPLOYMENT:

Unemployment has significant economic and social consequences:

Economic Effects:

  • Wastage of human resources and lower output levels.
  • Reduced savings and capital formation.
  • Lower living standards and labor productivity.

Social Effects:

  • Poverty and suffering.
  • Increased inequality and social unrest.
  • Potential rise in anti-social activities.

EFFECTS OF URBANISATION:

Urbanization plays a complex role in economic development:

  • It can be both a cause and effect of economic development.
  • It fosters industrial and service sector growth, creating employment opportunities.
  • It enables the provision of essential services at scale.
  • It can promote social harmony and reduce casteism and religious fundamentalism.

PERFORMANCE OF NABARD:

NABARD has played a crucial role in agricultural finance and rural development:

  • Promoting lending to small and marginal farmers and weaker sections.
  • Providing refinance facilities for agricultural inputs and rural industries.
  • Supporting infrastructure development through the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF).
  • Encouraging private investment in agriculture.
  • Introducing innovative financial products and services for farmers.