The world’s population has more than tripled since the mid-20th century, growing from an estimated 2.5 billion people in 1950 to over 8 billion in mid-November 2022. This exponential growth underscores the critical importance of global population issues, which are the focus of World Population Day, celebrated annually on July 11.
Established by the governing council of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in 1989, World Population Day was inspired by the “Day of Five Billion” observed on July 11, 1987. This day aims to raise awareness about various population-related issues, such as family planning, gender equality, poverty alleviation, maternal health, and human rights.
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The United Nations General Assembly, through resolution 45/216 in December 1990, decided to continue observing World Population Day to foster awareness of population challenges, including their intersections with environmental sustainability and socioeconomic development.
“Leave no one behind, count everyone” is the theme for World Population Day 2024, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity in addressing population issues.
Global Population Trends
The global population has experienced remarkable growth, taking hundreds of thousands of years to reach 1 billion but growing sevenfold in just two centuries. The world population surpassed 7 billion in 2011, reached 7.9 billion in 2021, and is projected to be around 8.5 billion by 2030, 9.7 billion by 2050, and 10.9 billion by 2100.
This rapid growth is driven by improved survival rates to reproductive age, significant changes in fertility rates, increasing urbanization, and accelerated migration, all of which will profoundly impact future generations.
Population in India
India, with a population of 1.4 billion, remains one of the most populous countries, representing nearly 17 percent of the global population. In April 2023, India’s population reached 1,425,775,850 people, surpassing China. Notably, India was the first country to launch a National Programme for Family Planning in 1952. Currently, India adds 15 million people to its population annually, the largest in the world. This ongoing growth has significant implications for economic development, employment, income distribution, poverty alleviation, and social welfare measures.
Population Policy in India
India’s National Population Policy 2000, adopted on February 15, 2000, aimed to address immediate needs in contraception and healthcare infrastructure, integrate services for basic reproductive and child health care, achieve replacement-level Total Fertility Rate by 2010, and stabilize population growth by 2045. However, the policy faced criticism for its narrow focus on contraception and sterilization at the expense of essential prerequisites like poverty alleviation and education improvement.
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The Population Regulation Bill of 2019, introduced by Member of Parliament Rakesh Sinha, proposed penalties for individuals with more than two living children, including potential disqualification from elected office and reduced financial benefits. Similarly, the Uttar Pradesh Population (Control, Stabilization and Welfare) Bill, 2021, promotes a two-child policy with disqualification from local elections and government positions for non-compliance, while also focusing on infertility, reproductive health, and reducing maternal and infant mortality rates.
Landmark Initiatives by the Government of India
Mission Parivar Vikas (MPV): Implemented across 13 states, MPV aims to significantly enhance access to contraceptives and family planning services in high fertility districts with a Total Fertility Rate (TFR).
Expansion of Contraceptive Choices: Existing contraceptive methods are supplemented by new options like Injectable Contraceptives (Antara Programme) and Centchroman (Chhaya).
Compensation Scheme for Sterilization Acceptors: This scheme provides compensation for loss of wages to beneficiaries undergoing sterilization and to the service provider team conducting the procedure.
Post-partum Intra-uterine Contraceptive Device (PPIUCD) Services: Offered immediately post-delivery, enabling women to choose a suitable contraceptive method.
Scheme for Home Delivery of Contraceptives: Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) facilitate the delivery of contraceptives directly to beneficiaries’ homes.
Family Planning Logistics Management Information System (FP-LMIS): A dedicated software system streamlining the forecasting, procurement, and distribution of family planning commodities.
Way Forward
India stands at a pivotal juncture, with a demographic composition presenting a unique opportunity. As of 2021, more than half of India’s population is under the age of 29, and over a quarter is 14 years or younger. Policymakers must harness this demographic dividend by focusing on enhancing opportunities for India’s youth. Strategies should include upgrading skill sets, ensuring equitable access to quality education, and vocational training. By empowering its young population, India can transform its demographic potential into economic productivity, turning a challenge into an opportunity.
