India’s demographic journey of hits and misses.
Historical Context and Establishment of World Population Day
- Established in 1989 by the UN after concerns raised by demographer Dr. K.C. Zachariah.
- Challenges in the 1960s-70s with global population growth at 2%, predicting widespread poverty and hunger for India.
Changing Dynamics and Progress
- Global fertility rates declined rapidly post-1980s due to improvements in living conditions and healthcare.
- India''s fertility rate dropped significantly from 3.4 to 2 between 1992 and 2021, now below replacement level.
- Increase in life expectancy due to robust healthcare system and better living standards.
Impact on Health Parameters
- Significant reductions in maternal mortality rate (MMR) from 384.4 in 2000 to 102.7 in 2020.
- Infant mortality rate (IMR) reduced from 66.7 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2000 to 25.5 in 2021.
Demographic Shift towards Ageing Population
- Elderly population (aged 60 years and above) constituted 8.6% in 2011, projected to rise to 19.5% by 2050.
- Challenges in geriatric care and social security benefits for ageing population.
India''s Journey Towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Introduction of SDGs
- Adopted in 2015 by the UN as a framework for global development.
- Core goals include ''No Poverty'', ''Zero Hunger'', ''Good Health'', ''Gender Equality'', and ''Quality Education''.
Progress and Challenges
- Poverty rate reduced from 48% to 10% between 1990 and 2019, supported by social welfare schemes like MGNREGA.
- Challenges in achieving ''Zero Hunger'' by 2030 despite improvements; India contributes a third of global malnutrition burden.
Health Sector Achievements
- Continued progress in reducing communicable diseases but challenges with rising non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
- Need for enhanced healthcare infrastructure and accessibility to meet SDG health targets.
Economic Disparities and Social Inclusion
Income Inequality
- Top 10% of India''s population holds 77% of national wealth, highlighting disparities.
- Importance of inclusive growth and equitable distribution of development benefits.
Nutrition and Health Challenges
- Challenges in addressing malnutrition, stunting, wasting, and anaemia rates despite government initiatives like POSHAN Abhiyaan.
- Increased budgetary allocation and stronger health programs required to improve nutrition and health outcomes.
Addressing Population Dynamics for SDG Achievement
Gender Equality
- Women''s empowerment crucial for achieving SDGs, including economic participation, political representation, and ending gender-based violence.
- Policies needed to enhance gender parity and empowerment across all sectors.
Future Directions
- Multi-sectoral collaboration and political will essential to meet SDG targets by 2030.
- Focus on harnessing demographic dividend through skill development and job creation.
Strengthening social safety nets and healthcare systems to address evolving health needs and ensure inclusive development.
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