Population of India: some dimensions
Padmanabha, P.
Yojana 27(1-2): 4-7
1983
ISSN/ISBN: 0044-0515 PMID: 12311999 Document Number: 391927
The 1981 India census documents optimistic trends in population dynamics. The adjusted decadal growth between 1971 and 1981 was 25.21%, indicating that the growth rate has tended to stabilize. A population size of 685,184,692 is recorded. 38.69% of the population is under the age of 15; the percentage has decreased since 1971, but suggests rapid population growth unless specific measures are taken. Attempts to raise the marriage age have been successful; over the past 50 years, the age at marriage has increased from 13 years to 17 years, causing declines in marital fertility. A decline in the age specific fertility rate is noticeable in both rural and urban areas and is indicative of the benefits of socioeconomic programs and the effect of family welfare programs. The death rates have also declined dramatically from a high of 40/1000 to 14/1000, as a result of investments in health, sanitation, and water. Life expectancy at birth has risen to approximately 50 years. The current level of infant mortality, 127/1000, is cause for continued concern. 76.69% of the population reside in rural areas which experience a 70% higher death rate; approximately 47% of the total deaths are in the 0-4 year old age group. High infant mortality is a major factor influencing fertility. A skewed distribution of basic health facilities between urban and rural areas is reflected in the lower proportion of rural births occurring in medical institutions. The introduction of public health measures relevant to a reduction in infant and child mortality would include: nutrition, water supply, housing, and primary health care. Action programs should be relevant to the particular region and needs can be identified through census data. Continued socioeconomic development has longterm importance for the reduction of fertility. The need to build components relating to family planning into programs related to socioeconomic improvement is recognized.