The fertility rate among Indian women is declining. This has been revealed in a United Nations report. At present, the fertility rate per woman in India has come down to 2. Whereas in 1950 this figure was equal to 6.2 children per woman.

It is being said that if this continues, then by 2050 the fertility rate can come down to 1.3. Currently, India has the largest population in the world. Our neighbouring country China is at the second place. If we talk about the world's population, then this figure has crossed 800 crores.

Many countries of the world including Japan are struggling with falling fertility rate. According to estimates, the global fertility rate will fall to 1.8 by 2050. Whereas this figure may reach 1.6 in 2100. A research has also revealed that women who give birth to fewer children live longer.

Then the elderly population will increase

India currently has the youngest population in the world. But the effect of the decline in fertility rate will be that the elderly population in the country may increase. This will affect the labor market. In 1991, the population of elderly people (above 60 years) in the country was 6.1 crores. But in 2024, it will increase to about 15 crores. The increasing population of elderly people will affect many sectors including health.

Fertility rate will be higher in these countries

In 2016, 14.2 crore children were born globally. But in 2021, this figure has shrunk to 1.29 crore. If we talk about India, two crore children were born in the year 2021. But after 26 years i.e. by 20250, this number may fall to 1.3 crore.

According to estimates, the fertility rate is expected to remain high in low-income countries. In India, the number of children aged 0-14 years has already started declining. In 2021, the number of such children was 36.4 crores. But in 2024, with a decrease of 2.6 crores, this figure was reduced to 34 crores.

Why is the fertility rate falling?

There are many economic and social factors behind the falling fertility rate in India. Women in urban areas are inclined to have fewer children. Late marriage, career, education and family planning have also led to a decline in the fertility rate. However, at present India's population is growing at a slow pace. Some people believe that the falling fertility rate will have an impact on people's standard of living. The standard of living will be of good quality. Resources will be managed properly. But the biggest disadvantage of the falling fertility rate is that it will be difficult to maintain economic development.