Census Data Reveals the Changing Face of the Nation’s Population

June 2, 2026

-Abhishek Vij 

While a formal and official census is currently underway in the country, the Registrar General—operating under the Ministry of Home Affairs—has simultaneously conducted a Sample Registration System (SRS) survey, some of the findings of which are encouraging. We are all, to some extent, aware of these trends. However, there are also some discouraging statistics that demand immediate solutions to existing problems. Let us first discuss the encouraging findings. In recent times, the government has launched several new schemes and programs aimed at changing societal attitudes toward women and safeguarding the well-being of children. These include the Janani Suraksha Yojana, the Janani Shiksha Suraksha Karyakram, and the Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan. The sample survey conducted by the Registrar General regarding these initiatives clearly indicates that their positive impact has begun to manifest within Indian society. Firstly, there has been a marginal improvement in the country’s sex ratio. This signifies that the birth of a girl child is no longer viewed as inauspicious or unfortunate. Another positive development is the decline in the infant mortality rate, which has now dropped to 24 deaths per 1,000 live births. Furthermore, mothers are now receiving adequate medical care during childbirth; deliveries are no longer left solely to the care of traditional midwives, as trained doctors are becoming increasingly available even in rural villages. Consequently, the maternal mortality rate has also declined, reaching a figure of 88. However, this positive trend has not been uniform across the entire country; regional disparities remain a cause for concern. In states like Uttar Pradesh, for instance, these rates remain significantly higher. Is the root cause poverty, entrenched tradition, or a lack of education? The underlying reasons must be identified to formulate a comprehensive solution to this problem. Now, let us turn our attention to a major issue that has emerged within the country—a problem previously witnessed in nations like China and Japan, where family planning initiatives were adopted with great zeal. India’s new generation, driven by the desire to lead a prosperous lifestyle, has begun to postpone marriage altogether. The trend of “live-in relationships” has become increasingly prevalent. Reports highlight a concerning fact: the country’s Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has declined. It has dropped from 2.1 to 1.9. With the exception of underdeveloped states such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand, this rate has declined in all other states. A matter of concern is that if population figures are to be sustained in these regions—specifically, if the replacement level is to be maintained—then focused attention is required here. This level must not be allowed to drop below 2.1. Wherever it has already fallen below this threshold, efforts must be made to raise it. For instance, in Andhra Pradesh, incentives have been announced for having children. Instead of family planning, the focus is now shifting toward encouraging family expansion. The states of South India argue that while they embraced family planning with great enthusiasm, they are now being disadvantaged—based on population figures—during the geographical delimitation of parliamentary constituencies. Furthermore, it has been observed that in regions where the fertility rate has dropped below 2.1, the proportion of children aged 0–14 within the total population is steadily declining. This decline in fertility rates, coupled with the decelerating pace of population growth, is ushering the country into a new demographic era. Currently, 24 percent of the country’s population falls within the 0–14 age group, while 66 percent belongs to the 15–59 workingage group. This implies that in states with low fertility rates, the working-age population—defined here as those aged 15 to 59—is seeking employment. If these individuals fail to secure work, they will pose a threat to both public order and social harmony. The emerging demographic structure is characterized by a shrinking proportion of the young population and a growing proportion of the employable workforce. It is crucial to remember that as the share of the young population diminishes, the administration will increasingly be required to focus on managing and providing for the elderly.