India’s Population Policy

India has the second-largest population in the world. With a current population of about 1.3 billion,
population growth control continues to be on every government’s agenda. In this article, you can read all
about the National Population Policy, 2000, as well as, about previous such policies and measures
announced by the government in this direction. This is an important topic under the UPSC exam polity,
governance, and social issues segments.

National Population Policy, 2000

The National Population Policy (NPP), 2000 is the central government’s second population policy. The
NPP states its immediate objective as addressing the unmet needs for contraception, healthcare
infrastructure, and health personnel, and providing integrated service delivery for basic reproductive and
child healthcare.

 The medium-term objective of the NPP 2000 was to reduce the Total Fertility Rate (TFR) to replacement levels by
2010.

 The TFR was to be 2.1 children per woman.

 The long-term objective is “ to achieve a stable population by 2045, at a level consistent with the requirements of
sustainable economic growth, social development, and environmental protection.”

Important features of National Population Policy

 The NPP reinforces the vision of the government to encourage voluntary and informed choices and citizens’
agreeability in order to achieve maximum benefits from reproductive health services.
 Making school education free and compulsory up to the age of 14 years and also reducing the dropout rates of
both boys and girls.
 Decreasing the Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) to under 30 per 1000 live births in the country (to be achieved by 2010
as prescribed when the NPP was brought out).
 Reducing the Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) to under 100 per 1 lakh live births (to be achieved by 2010 as
prescribed when the NPP was brought out).
 Achieving universal immunization for all children against vaccine preventable diseases.
 Encouraging delayed marriage for girls (preferrably before 18 years and above 20 years).
 Achieving 80 percent institutional deliveries and 100 percent deliveries by trained persons.
 Attaining 100% registration of pregnancies, births, deaths and marriages.
 Making available universal access to information/counseling, and services for fertility regulation and contraception
with a huge range of choices.
 Containing the spread of AIDS, boosting better coordination between the management of reproductive tract
infections (RTI) and sexually transmitted infections (STI) and the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO).
 Preventing and controlling communicable diseases.
 Integrating Indian medicine systems (AYUSH) in reproductive and child health services.
 Vigourously furthering the small family norm.
 Bringing about a convergence of all related social programmes so that family planning and welfare becomes a
people-centric programme.

The NPP 2000 is different from the previous population regulation programmes in that here, for the first
time, the population problem was seen in combination with child survival, maternal health, women
empowerment and contraception issues.

Demographic Dividend
Demographic Dividend meaning – It is the potential for economic gains when the share of the working-
age population (15 years – 64 years) is higher than the non-working age group.

Demographic dividend occurs when the proportion of working people in the total population is high
because this indicates that more people have the potential to be productive and contribute to growth of
the economy.

Due to the dividend between young and old, many argue that there is great potential for economic gains,
which has been termed the “demographic gift”. In order for economic growth to occur the younger
population must have access to quality education, adequate nutrition and health including access to
sexual and reproductive health.

Demographic dividend takes place when a country undergoes a demographic transition from a rural
agrarian economy with high fertility rates to an urban industrialized economy with low fertility and mortality
rates.

Human Development in India

Human development in India remains a dynamic and evolving process. The government, civil
society, and international organizations continue to work towards addressing disparities,
enhancing access to basic services, and improving the overall well-being of its diverse
population.

Challenges such as poverty, healthcare access, and education quality require ongoing efforts
and policy initiatives.

Health

 India has made significant progress in increasing life expectancy. Factors such as reduced
child mortality rates and advancements in healthcare have contributed to longer life
expectancies.
 Challenges in Healthcare: Despite progress, India faces challenges in providing equitable
healthcare access to all citizens. Disparities in healthcare infrastructure and services exist
between urban and rural areas.
 Public Health Concerns: India faces health challenges related to communicable diseases
(e.g., tuberculosis), non-communicable diseases (e.g., diabetes), and maternal and child
health. Malnutrition remains a significant concern, particularly among children.

Education
  Increase in Literacy Rates: India has made notable progress in increasing literacy rates,
with a particular focus on improving female literacy. Government initiatives like “Sarva
Shiksha Abhiyan” have aimed to provide universal elementary education.
 Quality of Education: While there have been improvements in enrollment, concerns
remain regarding the quality of education, school infrastructure, and access to higher
education. Disparities in educational outcomes persist.

Economic development

 Economic Growth: India has experienced rapid economic growth over the past few
decades, contributing to increased income levels and reduced poverty rates.
 Income Inequality: Income inequality remains a challenge, with significant disparities
between urban and rural areas, and among different states and regions.

Gender equality

 Women’s Empowerment: There have been advances in women’s empowerment,

including increased participation in the workforce and political representation. Gender-
based violence and discrimination, however, continue to be concerns.
 Female Education: Promoting female education is considered a key factor in advancing
gender equality.

Accessibility

 Clean Water and Sanitation: Efforts have been made to improve access to clean drinking
water and sanitation facilities, but disparities still exist, particularly in rural areas.
 Housing and Infrastructure: Access to adequate housing and infrastructure services like
electricity and roads varies widely across the country.

Cultural plurality

 India’s rich cultural diversity and pluralism contribute to the country’s human development.
However, issues related to social exclusion, caste-based discrimination, and religious
tensions persist.

Urbanization

 Rapid urbanization has posed both opportunities and challenges, with urban areas
experiencing greater access to services and economic opportunities, but also facing issues
like overcrowding and environmental pollution.
 Government programs like “MGNREGA” aim to improve rural livelihoods and infrastructure.

Sustainable development

 India is increasingly focusing on sustainable development, addressing environmental

issues, and promoting renewable energy sources to combat climate change.