Introduction:

Population is a dynamic element that plays a crucial role in shaping a nation’s economic and social framework. This chapter explores the size, distribution, density, growth, and composition of India’s population. It also explores the challenges and measures to manage population growth effectively.

Population Size and Distribution

• India’s Population (Census 2011):
  • Total: 1.21 billion (17.5% of the world’s population).
  • Second-largest in the world after China.
• Distribution:
  • Population is unevenly spread across states and regions.
  • Densely Populated Areas:
    • Northern Plains, coastal areas, and river valleys (e.g., Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal).
  • Sparsely Populated Areas:
    • Arid deserts (Rajasthan), mountainous regions (Himalayas), and dense forests (northeast).

Population Density

• Definition: Number of people living per square kilometer.
• India’s Average Density (2011): 382 persons/km².
• High Density States: Bihar (1,102), West Bengal (1,029), Kerala (859).
• Low Density States: Arunachal Pradesh (17), Sikkim (86), Jammu & Kashmir (56).

Population Growth

• Definition: Change in the number of people over a specific period.
• Natural Growth Rate: Difference between birth rate and death rate.
• India’s Growth (1901-2011): Significant growth observed post-1951 due to improved healthcare and reduced death rates.
• Phases of Growth:
  • Stagnant Population (1901-1921): High birth and death rates.
  • Steady Growth (1921-1951): Gradual decline in death rates.
  • Rapid Growth (1951-1981): Population explosion due to advancements in medical science.
  • Slowing Down (1981-present): Decline in birth rates due to family planning measures.

Processes of Population Change

• Birth Rate:
  • Number of live births per 1,000 people in a year.
  • India’s birth rate remains relatively high compared to developed nations.
• Death Rate:
  • Number of deaths per 1,000 people in a year.
  • Significant decline due to improved healthcare and sanitation.
• Migration:
  • Movement of people from one place to another.
  • Internal Migration: Rural to urban areas for better opportunities.
  • International Migration: Movement across countries (e.g., Indians migrating to the Gulf countries).

Age Composition

• Population divided into three groups:
  • Children (0-14 years): Dependent, require education and healthcare.
  • Working-Age (15-59 years): Economically productive.
  • Elderly (60+ years): Require social security and healthcare.
• Significance:
  • High proportion of working-age population offers a demographic dividend.

Sex Ratio

• Definition: Number of females per 1,000 males.
• India’s Sex Ratio (2011): 940 females/1,000 males.
• Best and Worst States:
  • Kerala (1,084) highest.
  • Haryana (877) lowest.
• Challenges: Female foeticide, societal preferences for male children.

Literacy Rate

• Definition: Percentage of people aged 7 and above who can read and write.
• India’s Literacy Rate (2011):
  • Total: 74.04%.
  • Male: 82.14%, Female: 65.46%.
• Significance: Literacy improves productivity, decision-making, and societal development.

Occupational Structure

• Classification of Workforce:
  • Primary Sector: Agriculture, fishing, forestry, and mining.
  • Secondary Sector: Industry and manufacturing.
  • Tertiary Sector: Services like banking, IT, education, and healthcare.
• Trends in India:
  • Majority engaged in the primary sector, indicating an agrarian economy.

Population Composition

• Rural vs. Urban Population:
  • Rural: 68.84% (agricultural livelihoods).
  • Urban: 31.16% (industrial and service sector jobs).
• Religious Composition: Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism, and others coexist.
• Linguistic Diversity: Over 1,600 languages spoken, with Hindi being the most widely used.

Significance of Population Studies

1. Policy Formulation: Data aids in planning resources and infrastructure.
2. Economic Growth: Understanding workforce distribution helps in job creation.
3. Social Development: Addresses disparities in literacy, health, and living standards.
4. Environmental Management: Helps monitor resource use and population pressure.

Challenges of Population Growth

1. Overpopulation: Strains resources like water, food, and energy.
2. Unemployment: Growing workforce with insufficient job creation.
3. Urbanization Issues: Overcrowding, inadequate housing, and pollution.
4. Healthcare Pressure: Increased demand for hospitals and medical services.

Measures to Control Population Growth

1. Family Planning: Promoting contraceptives and small family norms.
2. Education: Awareness about the benefits of population control.
3. Empowering Women: Providing education and employment opportunities.
4. Healthcare Improvements: Reducing infant mortality and increasing life expectancy.
5. Rural Development: Reducing migration by improving rural living standards.