Question Q.8GS1GS1

The pace of demographic transition varies across different states of India making population growth a challenging issue. Discuss.

Introduction

As per UN state of World Population Report 2023, India has surpassed China to become the most populous country in the world. [Note of demographic transition differs across states]

29 words

Main Body

The demographic transition varies significantly across states, as per NFHS data. States show variations like:

(i) State Fertility Rate: Most of states below TFR < 2.1 (Replacement value) yet obtain variation (NFHS-5)

Bihar (below 1.5) → TFR Bihar, M.P., Jharkhand

Bihar = 3.4

(ii) Demographic Quality:

[Bracket shows literacy dimension from Kerala = 100% to Bihar < 70%]

Thus Demographic transition is a double edged sword

Positives =>

1Population stabilisation

especially in states with TFR>2.1

2Higher support ratio

labour force [dependent population]

3Demographic dividend

higher saving investments

Negatives

1Lack of human capital

Low literacy, skill mismatch

By states like UP, Bihar, Odisha

2Population explosion

in some states (Bihar, Jharkhand)

3Aging before prosperity

inadequate employment opportunities not true

Way forward

Capacity building (Skill India Mission)

Availability of family planning tools

Promotion of self employment culture (MUDRA, SHGs, start-up, stand-up India)

158 words9 paragraphs10 bullet points

Diagram

Literacy bracket comparison showing Kerala at 100% and Bihar below 70%

Answer continues on next page

Uses recent data from UN World Population Report 2023
Provides specific TFR numbers for different states
Shows literacy correlation with demographic transition
Acknowledges state-level variations explicitly
Comprehensive coverage of positives and negatives
Mentions specific state examples
Solutions-oriented approach with actionable policy suggestions
References relevant government schemes

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Page 25

Topper

Abhimanyu Malik

AIR 602023

Subject & Paper

GS1GS1

Topic

Demographic Transition

State-level variations in India

Population growth differences

Writing Stats

187

Total words

Paragraphs

Bullets

Structured with bullet points

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