SS

Suvan SharmaAIR 148

Question 19GS1GS1

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)

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AnswerStrengthsGapsKeywords

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:

ageing pulse (as seen in Japan), which when combined with weak social security system can become a demographic disaster.
Fertility RatesDemographic 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 systemcomorbidities

Thus, shift towards ageing leads to precarious situation of poor supplemented with support from [unclear].

Why forward:

1Implementation of code of Social Security
2Assisting elderlies with moral, physical & emotional support
3Defining 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]

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 subsistencelead 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.
348 words14 paragraphs1 bullet points

Conclusion

Declining fertility rates necessitate strengthened social security systems and comprehensive support mechanisms for elderly populations Aging population with weak social security shifts demographic dividend to demographic challenge; comprehensive support systems needed

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

Open original scan

Page 50

Topper

Suvan Sharma

AIR 148

Subject & Paper

GS1GS1

Topic

Society and Population

Population and Associated Issues

Declining fertility rates and demographic challenges

Writing Stats

379

Total words

14

Paragraphs

1

Bullets

Analytical with data-driven approach

Tone