Question Q.16GS1GS1
How can the demographic transition in the southern states, marked by low fertility rates and an aging population, impact the region's economic growth and social welfare policies?
Introduction
India faces issue of demographic divergence with north-state having issue of population growth & southern state crisis of aging population.
20 words
Main Body
Low fertility
RateAverage TFR ~ 1.56 of southern state. Kerala as low as 1.4.
Aging populationOn average 15% pop to >60 years. Kerala 20%.
Impact on region economic growth
1Reduced labour availability, leading to non-competitive industry.
2Mass demand generation → youth to have more propensity to consume.
3Greater importance to silver economy → elderly care infrastructures.
4Reduced fiscal transfer under finance commission → as population is criteria.
Impact on Social Welfare policies
1Greater spend on healthcare, strain on public hospital.
2Need of social safety nets pension.
3Overburdened tax burden on youth.
102 words4 paragraphs
- Provides specific demographic data (TFR values)
- Uses Kerala as example of low fertility
- Identifies North-South demographic divergence
- Quantifies aging population percentage
Topper
Neeraj Trar
AIR 180
Subject & Paper
GS1GS1
Topic
Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India
Population and Associated Issues
Demographic transition and economic impacts in southern states
Writing Stats
122
Total words
4
Paragraphs
analytical, structured
Tone