In News:National interest, financial rewards do little to convince families to have more children;Why we must address problem of low fertility rate now
1.Discuss the concept of ‘population management’ as opposed to ‘population control’ in the context of India’s demographic challenges. What implications does this shift have for policy formulation in states with declining fertility rates.
India’s Total Fertility Rate (TFR) stands at approximately 1.91 children per woman, which is below the replacement level of 2.1 necessary for a stable population.This decline in fertility rates highlights the urgent need for a shift from traditional “population control” measures to more comprehensive “population management” strategies.
| Aspect | Population Control | Population Management |
| Definition | Focused on reducing birth rates through coercive measures, incentives, and disincentives. | Emphasizes a holistic approach that includes improving reproductive health services and education. |
| Methods | Often involves restrictive policies and financial incentives to limit family size. | Encourages informed choices about childbearing without coercion, promoting women’s empowerment. |
| Societal Impact | Can lead to negative consequences such as gender imbalances and human rights violations. | Aims to create an environment that supports families and respects individual rights. |
| Focus Areas | Primarily targets birth rate reduction without addressing underlying socio-economic factors. | Addresses broader socio-economic conditions, including education, healthcare, and employment opportunities. |
| Long-term Goals | Often results in short-term solutions with potential long-term societal issues. | Seeks sustainable population growth through informed family planning and support systems. |
Implications for policy formulation:
- Addressing Fertility Rates:
● States like Andhra Pradesh (TFR of 1.7) and Karnataka (TFR of 1.8) require policies that encourage family growth through supportive measures rather than restrictive ones. - Socio-economic stability:
● Policies should focus on improving access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities for women, which can lead to better family planning decisions.
● From 2015 to 2020, Sweden maintained a fertility rate of approximately 1.9 due to its generous maternity and paternity leave, excellent childcare, and social norms encouraging couples to share work and parenting responsibilities. - Long-term sustainability:
● Promoting a stable population through informed choices can ensure sustainable economic growth and social development, preparing for an ageing population by balancing youth and elderly care. - Cultural sensitivity:
● Effective policies must consider cultural norms influencing family size decisions. Engaging community leaders and utilising local languages in awareness campaigns can help shift perceptions about family planning. - Human rights focus:
● Any population management strategy must respect individual rights and freedoms, ensuring that access to reproductive health services is voluntary and informed.
By learning from successful models like Sweden, India can navigate its demographic challenges effectively while fostering a culture that values family growth and well-being.
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Source:
https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/a-tdp-mp-writes-why-we-must-address-problem-of-low-fertility-rate-now-9637440/
https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/national-interest-financial-rewards-do-little-to-convince-families-to-have-more-children-9637438/