SRS Statistical Report on India’s Total Fertility Rate

Context

The Sample Registration System (SRS) Statistical Report 2021, released by the Registrar General of India (RGI), highlights that India’s Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has remained consistent at 2.0 in 2021, similar to in 2020.

Key Highlights

• • The survey was conducted in 8,842 sample units throughout all States, masking about 84 lakh pattern population.
  • Bihar has stated the highest TFR at 3.0, whilst Delhi and West Bengal mentioned the lowest TFR of 1.4.

• Demographic Shifts (1971–2021):

• • 0–14 age group: Declined from 41.2% to 24.8%, indicating a falling young population.
  • 15–59 age group (working age): Increased from 53.4% to 66.2%, representing a demographic dividend window.
  • The aged population has gone up from 5.3% to 5.9% for the 65+ age institution and 6% to 9% for the 60+ age organization throughout the same period. Kerala suggested the best elderly population at 14.4%.
  • The suggested age at effective marriage for women has increased from 19.3 years in 1990 to 22.5 years in 2021.

Sample Registration System (SRS)

• The Sample Registration System (SRS) is a large-scale demographic survey in India used to acquire statistics on births and deaths, providing annual estimates of vital rates like delivery rate, death rate, and infant mortality rate.

Key features of SRS:

• Dual Record System: The system makes use of  resources of records: continuous enumeration through part-time enumerators and six-monthly retrospective surveys by supervisors. 
• Sample-Based: SRS operates on a sample of villages and concrete blocks, making it cost-effective and efficient. 

Total Fertility Rate (TFR)

• The average number of children born to a woman during her childbearing years. 
• A TFR of 2.1 is considered the alternative level to preserve a strong population.

Significance of the Findings

• Population Stabilization: A TFR of 2.0 shows India is coming near population stabilization, that may ease pressure on natural assets, public services, and the surroundings.
• Demographic Dividend: A large working-age population provides an opportunity for expanded productivity, and economic growth.
• Improved Maternal fitness: Fewer child births per woman, coupled with delayed age of marriage, result in decreased maternal mortality, higher child care, and more healthy households.
• Women Empowerment: Lower fertility rate reflect higher schooling tiers, team of workers participation, and greater autonomy amongst women, leading to better social and economic consequences.

Negative Impacts of Declining TFR

• Ageing Population: A rise in the elderly population will boost the dependency on the running population, disturbing increased cognizance of pension, healthcare, and social welfare schemes.
• Potential for Skewed Sex Ratios: In certain regions, fertility reduction without tackling gender bias can exacerbate sex-determination practices, leading to imbalanced sex ratios.
• Demographic Imbalance: States with extensive fertility variations, doubtlessly leading to interstate migration, cultural shifts, and aid stress in low-TFR states.

Conclusion

• The stabilization of India’s Total Fertility Rate displays a considerable demographic shift, signaling that the country Is shifting in the direction of achieving replacement-level fertility. However, the related challenges need to not be left out.
• A balanced method that promotes equitable development, strengthens social security, and anticipates future demographic needs is critical to ensure that this transition supports a resilient and rich India.

Source: The Indian Express

UPSC Mains Practice Question

Q. Discuss the main objectives of Population Education and point out the measures to achieve them in India in detail. (2021)

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