As fertility rates decline in India, future demographic concerns center around an ageing population and a weak social security system. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)
Main Body
As per National Family Health Survey - 5 (NFHS-5), fertility rates in 23 states have either reached replacement levels (2.1) or is less than.
As TFR declines (Fg):- concerns of aging pulse (as seen in Japan), which when combined with weak social security system can become a demographic disaster.
(Fg.1): Reasons for declined fertility vdrate:- State encouragement for reduced population + Increase drug in cost of living & education
TFR declines [Fg] concerns of:
Fertility Rates → Demographic Concerns
High (earlier) → Population stability, resource allocation, benefit distribution, population control
Low (now) → ageing, weak social security, skilling, emerging tech.
Ageing: refers to increasing proportion of population who are dependents (>60yrs).
Feminisation of elderly (problems with ageing) → supported by sight system → comorbidities
Thus, shift towards ageing leads to precarious situation of poor supplemented with support from [unclear].
Why forward:
With decline in fertility rates, we need to look at the [other] side of demographic dividends i.e. elderly (>60 yrs) & population). Article 4 which calls for support to old aged should be added in cities & special [unclear]
Uncertainty: (1) Problems with weak social security system (2) Emerging issues (3) Unemployed elderly lack of subsistence
Way forward → (1) Implementation of code of Social Security (2) Assisting elderlies with moral, physical & emotional support (3) Defining the scope of social security benefits
With decline in fertility rates, we need to look at the [other] side of demographic dividends i.e. elderly (>60 yrs) & population). Article 4 which calls for support to old aged should be added in cities & special [unclear]
Unemployed elders lack of subsistence → lead to 'Marginal Man' in society. With declining fertility rates, there is a shift from 'demographic dividend' to 'demographic challenge'. Thus, shift towards ageing leads to precarious situation of poor supplemented with support from system/schemes.
— Suvan Sharma · AIR 148
Conclusion
31 words
Diagram
Diagram showing relationship between fertility rates (high vs low) and resulting demographic concerns, plus factors contributing to aging and weak social security system
- Cites specific data from NFHS-5
- Provides concrete example from Japan
- Links multiple causal factors
- Provides structural comparison of high vs low fertility
- Addresses gender dimension (feminisation of elderly)
- Suggests constitutional and policy solutions
- Links unemployment to social marginalization
- Contrasts demographic dividend with demographic challenge
- Constitutional reference adds credibility
Suvan Sharma
Society and Population
Population and Associated Issues
Declining fertility rates and demographic challenges
379
Total words
14
Paragraphs
1
Bullets
Analytical with data-driven approach
Tone