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Understanding the Government Committee on Population Growth

An Insight into India's Population Policies

Understanding the Government Committee on Population Growth

  • 09 Feb, 2024
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Understanding the Government Committee on Population Growth

The Indian government has established a committee to address the pressing issues related to population growth and demographic changes. This initiative aims to formulate effective policies that align with the country's developmental goals.

Composition of the Committee

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the formation of this committee, which will consist of a diverse group of experts. Their primary role will be to recommend social and demographic changes necessary for managing India's population dynamics.

Focus Areas of the Committee

The committee is set to concentrate on several critical areas:

  • Assessing India’s rapid population growth in relation to its developmental objectives.
  • Examining resource management strategies to support a growing population.
  • Proposing legislative reforms aimed at sustainable population management.

Current Fertility Rate in India

As of now, India's total fertility rate stands below the replacement level of 2.1 children per woman. This statistic highlights the changing demographic trends across the nation.

Projected Replacement Rate for Bihar

Bihar is projected to reach the replacement fertility rate by the year 2039. In contrast, Kerala successfully achieved this milestone as early as 1998, illustrating the varying demographic trajectories within India.

Understanding Delimitation

Delimitation refers to the process of redrawing electoral boundaries to ensure that each constituency has a relatively equal population. This practice is vital for maintaining fair political representation.

Importance of Delimitation

Through delimitation, the political representation is made equitable, reflecting the current distribution of the population. This ensures that all regions have a voice in governance proportional to their population size.

Upcoming Delimitation Exercise

The fifth delimitation exercise, which is critical for updating electoral boundaries, has been postponed to 2026, influencing future electoral processes.

Controversies Surrounding Population Growth

There are ongoing controversies related to population growth in India, including concerns about demographic shifts. Some groups voice accusations of demographic imbalance driven by migration, conversion, and illegal immigration.

Impact of Population Growth on Political Representation

Population growth can significantly alter the balance of power among states, impacting their political representation and resource allocation. Such shifts necessitate careful consideration in policy formulation.

Actions Taken on Population Policies

To manage the implications of population growth, a variety of policies and recommendations have been proposed. These include insights from the National Population Policy and amendments to the Assam Women’s Empowerment Policy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the purpose of the government committee on population growth?
Answer: The committee aims to analyze India's population growth and recommend policies for sustainable development and resource management.

Q2. How does India’s current fertility rate compare to the replacement rate?
Answer: India's total fertility rate is currently below the replacement rate of 2.1 children per woman, indicating changing demographic trends.

Q3. What is delimitation and why is it significant?
Answer: Delimitation is the redrawing of electoral boundaries to ensure fair political representation based on population. It is crucial for equitable governance.

Q4. When is the next delimitation exercise scheduled?
Answer: The fifth delimitation exercise has been postponed and is now expected to take place in 2026, affecting future elections.

Q5. What controversies are associated with population growth in India?
Answer: Concerns include demographic shifts and accusations of imbalance due to factors like migration and illegal immigration, leading to political tensions.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: What is the primary focus of the government committee on population growth in India?
A) Economic development
B) Demographic changes and policies
C) Environmental sustainability
D) Education reforms
Correct Answer: B

Question 2: By what year is Bihar expected to reach the replacement fertility rate?
A) 2025
B) 2030
C) 2039
D) 2045
Correct Answer: C

Question 3: What does delimitation ensure in the context of electoral processes?
A) Economic balance
B) Fair political representation
C) Educational reforms
D) Environmental conservation
Correct Answer: B

Question 4: Which state achieved the replacement fertility rate first in India?
A) Bihar
B) Maharashtra
C) Kerala
D) Tamil Nadu
Correct Answer: C

Question 5: What year was the fifth delimitation exercise originally scheduled for?
A) 2024
B) 2025
C) 2026
D) 2027
Correct Answer: C

Question 6: Which policy includes recommendations for managing population growth in India?
A) National Health Policy
B) National Population Policy
C) Assam Education Policy
D) Women’s Rights Policy
Correct Answer: B

 

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