Indian Population Statistics & Census Data (Based on UN Report & Historical Census) part 3

 Okay, here are the notes based on the provided transcript about India's population:

Topic: Indian Population Statistics & Census Data (Based on UN Report & Historical Census)

I. UN World Population Report (2024 Findings - Recent Data):

India's Rank: India has become the most populous country in the world, surpassing China. (Rank 1)

Population Figures (2024 Est.):

India: 144 crore (1.44 billion)

China: 142 crore (1.42 billion) (Rank 2)

Age Structure in India (Key Highlights):

Above 65 years: Only 7% (Considered favorable, indicating a lower dependency ratio of the elderly).

Below 4 years: 24%

10-19 years: 17%

10-24 years: 26%

15-64 years (Working Age / Labor Force): 68% (Signifies a large potential workforce - demographic dividend).

Child Marriages: Between 2006 and 2023, 23% of child marriages (globally implied, or specifically tracked) occurred in India. Child marriage still persists.

Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR):

India accounts for 8% of global maternal deaths.

MMR Definition: Number of maternal deaths per 100,000 live births during pregnancy or childbirth.

Population Projection: India's population is projected to double in the next 77 years.

Life Expectancy:

Males: 71 years

Females: 74 years (Females generally have higher life expectancy, often attributed to stronger immunity).

Total Fertility Rate (TFR):

Current TFR: 2.1

Definition: Average number of children a woman would bear in her lifetime.

Significance: Reaching the replacement level target of 2.1.

II. History of Census in India & World:

World:

First Census: USA (1790)

England: 1801

India:

First (Non-synchronous): 1872 (During Lord Mayo's time).

First Synchronous & Regular Census: 1881 (During Lord Ripon's time).

Regularity: Conducted every 10 years since 1881.

Exception: 2021 Census was postponed (due to COVID-19), now proposed for 2026.

III. 2011 Census Details:

Order:

15th Census overall (since 1872/1881).

7th Census after Independence (since 1951).

Process: Conducted in two phases:

Phase 1 (April-Sept 2010): Houselisting & Housing Census.

Phase 2 (Feb 9-28, 2011): Population Enumeration.

Scope Covered:

States: 28

Union Territories: 7

Districts: 640

Towns: 7,935

Villages: Approx. 6.41 lakhs (640,369 mentioned)

Financials & Logistics:

Total Cost: ₹ 2,029 crore.

Personnel Involved: 27 lakh enumerators/officials.

Average Cost per Person: ₹ 18.19.

Slogan: "Our Census, Our Future" (Mana Janabha Lekkalau, Mana Bhavishyathu).

Key Feature - Aadhaar:

Introduced during this census process.

First Aadhaar card issued to: Ranjana Sonawane, a tribal woman from Temli village, Nandurbar district, Maharashtra.

IV. Census Administration:

Governing Act: Census Act, 1948 (Passed after independence).

Nodal Agency: Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, India (RGCCI).

Ministry: Under the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Census Commissioners:

First (Post-Independence): R. A. Gopalaswami.

2011 Census: Dr. C. Chandramouli.

Current (as per transcript): Mrityunjay Kumar Narayan.

V. Evolution of India's Population (Parinamakramam) & Key Phases:

Phase 1: Period of Stagnant Growth (Before 1921)

Characterized by high birth rates and high death rates (due to famine, epidemics like influenza).

Example: Population decreased between 1911 (25.2 Cr) and 1921 (25.1 Cr).

1921: "Year of the Great Divide" - Marks the end of decreasing/stagnant population trend.

Phase 2: Period of Steady Growth (1921-1951)

Death rates started declining due to improved health and sanitation, but birth rates remained high.

Population grew steadily (e.g., 1951 population: 36.1 Cr).

Growth was gradual.

1951: "Year of Small Divide" - Marks the start of rapid population growth post-independence.

Phase 3: Period of Rapid High Growth / Population Explosion (1951-1981)

Sharp decline in death rates (medical advancements) while birth rates remained high.

Highest population growth rate period (e.g., 1981 population: 68.3 Cr).

Population roughly doubled in this 30-year period.

Annual Growth Rate peaked (around 2.14% avg).

1981: "Dividing Year" - Marks the beginning of the period where growth rate starts declining, although population continues to grow significantly.

Phase 4: Period of High Growth with Definite Signs of Slowing Down (1981-Present)

Birth rates started declining noticeably (family planning, education), though still higher than death rates.

Absolute increase in population remained large, but the percentage growth rate decreased.

Example: Growth rate between 1981-2011 (~1.84% avg) was lower than 1951-1981.

The rate of growth is decreasing (Population growing at a decreasing rate).

VI. Important Considerations from Transcript:

The large working-age population (68% between 15-64) presents a demographic dividend, an opportunity for economic growth if utilized effectively (employment, skills). If not utilized, it can lead to unemployment issues.

The comparison of growth rates across different 30-year blocks (1891-1921 vs 1921-1951 vs 1951-1981 vs 1981-2011) highlights the changing dynamics of population growth.