Shillong, April 19: According to the latest estimates released by the United Nations, India has overtaken China as the world’s most populated country, with a staggering population of 1.4286 billion. The UN report, titled “8 billion lives, infinite possibilities: the case for rights and choices”, revealed that India’s population growth rate has increased by 1.56% compared to the previous year.
The report also highlighted that 68% of India’s population falls under the age group of 15-64 years, and the country’s fertility rate is estimated at 2.0. Furthermore, the average life expectancy for an Indian male and female stands at 71 and 74, respectively. The UN has been publishing this annual report since 1978.
Representative UNFPA India and Country Director, Bhutan, Andrea Wojnar, emphasized that a significant factor contributing to India’s population growth is the lack of equal education, skill-building opportunities, and access to technology and digital innovations for women and girls, along with the power to exercise their reproductive rights and choices.
India already faces challenges with poverty, unemployment, limited access to healthcare and education, and the increasing population exacerbates these problems. The Indian government has launched several initiatives to control population growth, including family planning programs and awareness campaigns, but the report suggests that more needs to be done to address the issue.
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