Demographic Attributes of India

Age Structure

Introduction

Age structure refers to the distribution of the population in different age brackets. This is one of the most critical demographic attributes, as it influences policy-making and implementation. By analyzing the age structure, we can:

• Understand the demographic transition:
  1. High birth rate and high death rate.
  2. Decline in death rate, followed by a decline in fertility rate.
  3. Both fertility and death rates stabilize at lower levels.
• Predict future population growth trends, especially the number of people in the reproductive age group, and determine the dependency ratio, which measures the social and economic impact of different age groups. The dependency ratio is calculated as:

Population Age Structure of India

• According to the 2011 Census:
  • 0-14 years: 30%
  • 15-65 years: 65%
  • 65+ years: 5%
• India is currently in the third stage of demographic transition, having experienced both mortality and fertility transitions. India has the world’s largest young population, with over 65% of the population below the age of 35. The median age of the country in 2020 was 29 years.

Literacy Rate

Literacy is crucial as it is the foundation for education. Literacy rates in India have been improving over time, and various censuses track this growth.

Types of Literacy Rates:

• Crude Literacy Rate: Number of literate persons ÷ Total population × 100
• Effective Literacy Rate: Number of literate persons aged 7 and above ÷ Population aged 7 and above x 100
• Census 2011:
  • Effective literacy rate: 74.04%
  • Male literacy rate: 82.14%
  • Female literacy rate: 65.46%

Regional Distribution:

• Highest literacy rates: Kerala, Lakshadweep, Mizoram.
• Lowest literacy rates and highest population densities: Bihar, Uttar Pradesh.

Gender Gap in Literacy

The gap between male and female literacy has been narrowing:

• 2001 Census: 21.59%
• 2011 Census: 16.68%

Workforce Participation

Workforce includes all those participating in economically productive activities, whether compensated or not.

Types of Workers:

• Main Workers: Engaged in work for 6 months or more.
• Marginal Workers: Worked for less than 6 months.
• Cultivators: People engaged in the cultivation of land owned or leased.
• Agricultural Laborers: Work on another’s land for wages.
• Household Industry Workers: Those working in home-based industries.
• Other Workers: Include those employed in services such as government, commerce, and transport.

Work Participation Rate:

• 2011 Census: Work participation rate was 39.79% (Male: 53.26%, Female: 25.51%).

Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS)

This survey provides key insights into employment and unemployment trends:

• 2018-19: Unemployment rate fell to 5.8% from 6.1% in 2017-18, with improved female participation rates.

Dependency Ratio

What is Dependency Ratio?

The dependency ratio measures the ratio of non-working individuals (below 15 and above 64) to the working-age population (15-64). A higher dependency ratio implies greater pressure on the working population to support the dependent population.

Types:

A higher dependency ratio leads to increased spending on health, education, and pensions, imposing greater economic pressure on the working population.

Demographic Dividend

The demographic dividend refers to the economic growth potential that arises when the working-age population outnumbers the non-working-age population.

Key Characteristics:

• It occurs when fertility rates decline and life expectancy increases.
• India is currently experiencing a demographic dividend, with around 600 million people below the age of 25.

However, the dividend is not guaranteed. To harness it effectively, India must focus on:

• Job creation.
• Education and vocational training.

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Longevity or Life Expectancy

Life expectancy refers to the average number of years a person is expected to live under current conditions.

Trends:

• 1951: 36.7 years
• 2012: 67.9 years

There are significant regional variations in life expectancy:

• Kerala: 75.2 years (highest in India)
• Uttar Pradesh: 64.5 years (one of the lowest)

Sex Ratio

Sex ratio is an important indicator of gender equity. It is calculated as:

Historical Data:

• 1901: 972 females per 1000 males
• 2011: 940 females per 1000 males

Factors Affecting the Sex Ratio

1. Sex-selective Abortions: Despite legal measures like the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, female infanticide and selective abortion still persist in some regions, driven by a preference for male children.
2. Neglect at Birth or Childhood: Female children are often neglected in terms of healthcare, nutrition, and education, resulting in higher mortality rates among girls, especially in early childhood.
3. Small Family Norms: With the adoption of the small family norm (having fewer children), many couples choose not to have more children if their first child is male, further skewing the sex ratio.
4. Dowry System: The social practice of dowry places a financial burden on the family of a girl child, influencing parents’ preference for male children to avoid these costs.
5. Differential Mortality Rates: More females die during infancy and reproductive age due to poor access to healthcare, cultural neglect, and societal discrimination.

Steps Taken to Address Declining Sex Ratio:

1. Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao: This flagship initiative by the Indian government aims to improve the child sex ratio through awareness campaigns and stringent enforcement of the PCPNDT Act.
2. Sukanya Samriddhi Scheme: This savings scheme encourages parents to invest in the education and future of girl children, promoting financial security for them.
3. Public Awareness Campaigns: Gender sensitization programs, media campaigns, and outreach efforts are crucial in challenging the patriarchal mindset that favors sons over daughters.
4. Improved Education and Economic Opportunities: Making education accessible and affordable for girls while creating equal economic opportunities is vital for changing gender attitudes.
5. Gender Sensitization Programs: Increasing awareness of gender equality in schools, workplaces, and through public institutions helps promote respect for girls and women.

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Demographic Dividend

The demographic dividend is the economic growth potential that results from a favorable age structure when the working-age population (15-64 years) exceeds the dependent population (children and the elderly). This phase typically lasts for three to four decades, presenting a window of opportunity for economic and social transformation.

Key Factors for Harnessing the Demographic Dividend:

1. Increased Labor Supply: A growing working-age population provides a larger labor force, boosting productivity and economic growth.
2. Improved Savings Rate: As the number of dependents decreases, families are more likely to save, leading to increased capital formation and investments in the economy.
3. Human Capital Development: With fewer children to care for, families can invest more in each child’s education and health, improving human capital and labor quality.
4. Support for Economic Growth: A large, well-educated, and healthy workforce can lead to a significant increase in per capita income, fostering sustained economic development.

India’s Demographic Dividend:

India is currently in an advantageous position, with over 65% of its population below the age of 35 and a median age of 29 years (as of 2020). This is in contrast to aging populations in many other countries, such as:

• China: 37 years
• USA: 40 years
• Japan and EU: 47 years

However, to reap the full benefits of this demographic advantage, India must focus on:

• Job Creation: Providing employment opportunities for the large working-age population.
• Vocational Training and Skill Development: Equipping young people with the skills needed for a rapidly changing job market.
• Health and Education: Investing in the health and education sectors to improve labor productivity and innovation.

Challenges:

If the demographic dividend is not properly managed, it could lead to:

• Youth Unemployment: High levels of unemployment among young people could lead to social unrest.
• Strain on Resources: The growing population may place pressure on infrastructure, healthcare, and other resources.

Second Demographic Dividend:

As India’s elderly population increases, there is potential for a second demographic dividend. The older working population may contribute to economic growth by accumulating assets and savings. Countries in East and Southeast Asia are already experiencing this phase, and India is expected to follow in the coming decades. By 2050, India is projected to have 300 million elderly people, constituting 20% of the total population.

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Longevity or Life Expectancy

Life expectancy refers to the average number of years a person is expected to live, given current health, environmental, and socioeconomic conditions.

Historical Trends:

• 1951: 36.7 years
• 2012: 67.9 years

Regional Variations (2011-2015):

• Kerala:
  • Male: 72.2 years
  • Female: 78.2 years
  • Overall: 75.2 years
• Uttar Pradesh:
  • Male: 63.4 years
  • Female: 65.6 years
  • Overall: 64.5 years

Life expectancy has steadily increased across India, though regional disparities persist, with southern states like Kerala showing significantly higher life expectancy compared to northern states like Uttar Pradesh.

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Conclusion

India’s demographic attributes, including age structure, literacy rates, workforce participation, dependency ratio, and life expectancy, play a critical role in shaping the nation’s socio-economic policies and development strategies. As India continues to experience the demographic dividend, the focus must be on education, employment, and healthcare to ensure sustainable growth and prosperity. Additionally, addressing challenges like the skewed sex ratio and regional disparities in life expectancy and literacy rates will be essential for balanced and inclusive development.

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1. Discuss the role of education and vocational training in harnessing India’s demographic dividend. (250 words)
2. Evaluate the implications of India’s dependency ratio on its socio-economic policies and resource allocation. (250 words)
3. Analyze the impact of gender disparities in literacy rates on socio-economic development in India. (250 words)