India has made significant progress in population stabilization, achieving replacement-level fertility with 31 states and Union Territories reporting a Total Fertility Rate (TFR) of 2.1 or less. Modern contraceptive usage has risen to 56.5% (NFHS-5), reflecting improved awareness and accessibility. However, regional disparities in population stabilization continue to pose challenges.
Factors Influencing Population Stabilization
- Female Literacy
Higher literacy rates improve health awareness and reduce fertility.- Bihar: TFR 3.1, Female literacy 52%
- Kerala: TFR 1.8, Female literacy 95%
- Age of Marriage
Later marriages delay pregnancies, leading to smaller families.- Early marriages are prevalent in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh.
- States like Kerala and Tamil Nadu have higher marriage ages, resulting in lower fertility.
- Poverty
Economically disadvantaged families often have more children for security.- Jharkhand: 40% BPL, TFR >2.1
- Chhattisgarh: 37% BPL, TFR >2.1
- Healthcare Access
Better maternal and child healthcare reduces fertility.- UP: 14% antenatal care, TFR ~4
- Kerala: Nearly 100% antenatal care, TFR ~2
- Contraceptive Awareness and Use
Low awareness leads to higher birth rates.- Bihar: 76% women not using contraception
- Kerala: 36% women not using contraception
Measures Taken for Population Control
- Vasectomy Camps (1971)
- Targeted male sterilizations; around 1.3 million men sterilized in 1971 alone.
- National Population Policy, 2000
- Aimed for a stable population by 2045
- Focused on reproductive health, infant and maternal mortality reduction, delayed marriage, and childbirth
- Mission Parivar Vikas (2017)
- Targets high fertility districts in seven high-focus states (TFR ≥3)
- Expands family planning services through ASHAs and community outreach
- Innovative Strategies
- Nayi Pehel Kits, Saas-Bahu Sammelan, Saarthi Vans for community engagement
- Post-Partum Intrauterine Contraceptive Device (PPIUCD) Incentive Scheme
- Quality Assurance Committees at state and district levels
- National Population Stabilization Fund
- Aims to achieve population stabilization by 2045 while balancing economic, social, and environmental sustainability
Way Forward
- Incentivize Later Marriages and Childbirths
Encourage families to delay marriage and first childbirth for better health and smaller family size. - Enhance Contraceptive Access
Make contraception affordable, accessible, and socially acceptable, especially for women. - Promote Women’s Labour Force Participation
Employment opportunities reduce fertility by increasing women’s autonomy and economic decision-making. - Education and Awareness
Strengthen programs to educate communities about family planning and reproductive health. - Community and Social Engagement
Focus on the demand side, involving families, communities, and society in population control efforts, rather than only the supply side (providers and delivery systems). - Institutional Support
Appoint state population and social development commissions to monitor and guide population stabilization efforts.
Conclusion
India has made remarkable strides in population control, achieving replacement-level fertility in many regions. However, regional disparities, early marriages, poverty, and lack of awareness remain challenges. Future efforts must empower women, enhance healthcare access, promote education, and engage communities to ensure sustainable population stabilization and national development.