World Population Day 2024: To leave no one behind, count everyone
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Dr N Sharat Singh
Addressing these complexities requires proactive government intervention and strategic initiatives.
In response, the Government of India has implemented a series of initiatives aimed at sustainable development. The National Family Planning Program promotes reproductive health and family planning, complemented by extensive education campaigns on smaller families and reproductive health benefits. Investments in rural healthcare infrastructure, including primary health centres and maternity hospitals, enhance maternal and child healthcare access. Programs like the “Janani Suraksha Yojana” support institutional deliveries, improving maternal and postnatal care.
Recognizing women's decisive role, the government promotes their empowerment through education and economic opportunities, crucial for family decision-making. Youth engagement efforts foster awareness on population issues and responsible family planning. These initiatives are part of a cohesive policy framework integrating population stabilization with broader goals in health, education, employment, and sustainable development. Through research, data-driven policies, and international collaborations, India aims to manage population dynamics effectively, enhance healthcare outcomes, and elevate citizens' quality of life, aligning with global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on WPD.
Converting High Population Growth into an Asset
The globally accepted strategies include i) Investing in Education and Skills Development: Providing access to quality education at all levels is essential for creating a knowledgeable and skilled workforce. Emphasizing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education prepares individuals for high-demand sectors, while vocational training and skills development programs equip people with practical skills that meet market demands.
By investing in education, nations can build a workforce capable of driving economic growth and innovation. ii) Promoting Economic Opportunities and Enhancing Healthcare: Fostering an entrepreneurial ecosystem through access to capital, mentorship, and business development services supports small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which are significant job creators. Policies that encourage job creation in diverse sectors, including technology, manufacturing, and services, can lead to sustainable industries and long-term employment. Additionally, ensuring universal access to quality healthcare services reduces the burden of disease, increases productivity, and provides comprehensive family planning services to manage population growth sustainably. iii) Leveraging Technology and Innovation for Sustainable Development:
Promoting digital literacy and the use of technology in various sectors increase efficiency and innovation. Investment in research and development (R&D) drives innovation and creates new industries, while developing infrastructure that supports efficient transportation and connectivity facilitates trade and mobility. Smart urban planning creates habitable cities that can accommodate growing populations sustainably.
Policies promoting environmental protection, renewable energy, and gender equality enhance economic growth and social development. Strengthening governance and institutions through good governance and inclusive policies ensures that resources are managed effectively and the needs of all population segments are addressed. iv) Case Studies and Examples: China's economic growth has been partly driven by its large population, which provided a vast labour force for manufacturing and technology sectors. India’s demographic dividend is being leveraged through initiatives like Skill India and Digital India, creating a skilled workforce and promoting digital transformation, demonstrating how high population growth can be turned into an economic asset.
Contrasting Population Challenges in Mainland India and North East India
Population issues in India differ significantly between mainland regions and the North East, driven by distinct socio-economic, cultural, and geographical factors. Mainland India, including states like Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu, faces challenges from high population density and rapid urbanization. Major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore experience severe overcrowding, straining infrastructure and public services. The National Family Health Survey - 5 (NFHS-5: 2019-21) shows urban areas in mainland India with higher population densities and greater migration inflows compared to rural areas, such as Mumbai's 31,700 people per square kilometre and Delhi's 11,320 per square kilometre. This high density leads to intense competition for resources, with Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu facing significant water scarcity. Overpopulation exacerbates environmental issues like pollution, with Uttar Pradesh having some of the highest particulate matter (PM2.5) levels in the country. The healthcare system also struggles under this pressure, with Uttar Pradesh's infant mortality rate at 41 per 1,000 live births and Bihar's at 47 per 1,000, both higher than the national average of 30 per 1,000 live births.
The North East, including states like Assam, Meghalaya, and Manipur, faces unique challenges influenced by ethnic diversity, geographical isolation, and socio-political factors. The region is home to various ethnic groups with distinct cultures and languages, which can lead to tensions over ethnic identity and land rights. NFHS-5 data indicates that Scheduled Tribes make up a significant portion of the population in the North East, with 31.8% in Assam and 86.1% in Meghalaya.
(To be contd)
Addressing these complexities requires proactive government intervention and strategic initiatives.
In response, the Government of India has implemented a series of initiatives aimed at sustainable development. The National Family Planning Program promotes reproductive health and family planning, complemented by extensive education campaigns on smaller families and reproductive health benefits. Investments in rural healthcare infrastructure, including primary health centres and maternity hospitals, enhance maternal and child healthcare access. Programs like the “Janani Suraksha Yojana” support institutional deliveries, improving maternal and postnatal care.
Recognizing women's decisive role, the government promotes their empowerment through education and economic opportunities, crucial for family decision-making. Youth engagement efforts foster awareness on population issues and responsible family planning. These initiatives are part of a cohesive policy framework integrating population stabilization with broader goals in health, education, employment, and sustainable development. Through research, data-driven policies, and international collaborations, India aims to manage population dynamics effectively, enhance healthcare outcomes, and elevate citizens' quality of life, aligning with global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on WPD.
Converting High Population Growth into an Asset
The globally accepted strategies include i) Investing in Education and Skills Development: Providing access to quality education at all levels is essential for creating a knowledgeable and skilled workforce. Emphasizing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education prepares individuals for high-demand sectors, while vocational training and skills development programs equip people with practical skills that meet market demands.
By investing in education, nations can build a workforce capable of driving economic growth and innovation. ii) Promoting Economic Opportunities and Enhancing Healthcare: Fostering an entrepreneurial ecosystem through access to capital, mentorship, and business development services supports small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which are significant job creators. Policies that encourage job creation in diverse sectors, including technology, manufacturing, and services, can lead to sustainable industries and long-term employment. Additionally, ensuring universal access to quality healthcare services reduces the burden of disease, increases productivity, and provides comprehensive family planning services to manage population growth sustainably. iii) Leveraging Technology and Innovation for Sustainable Development:
Promoting digital literacy and the use of technology in various sectors increase efficiency and innovation. Investment in research and development (R&D) drives innovation and creates new industries, while developing infrastructure that supports efficient transportation and connectivity facilitates trade and mobility. Smart urban planning creates habitable cities that can accommodate growing populations sustainably.
Policies promoting environmental protection, renewable energy, and gender equality enhance economic growth and social development. Strengthening governance and institutions through good governance and inclusive policies ensures that resources are managed effectively and the needs of all population segments are addressed. iv) Case Studies and Examples: China's economic growth has been partly driven by its large population, which provided a vast labour force for manufacturing and technology sectors. India’s demographic dividend is being leveraged through initiatives like Skill India and Digital India, creating a skilled workforce and promoting digital transformation, demonstrating how high population growth can be turned into an economic asset.
Contrasting Population Challenges in Mainland India and North East India
Population issues in India differ significantly between mainland regions and the North East, driven by distinct socio-economic, cultural, and geographical factors. Mainland India, including states like Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu, faces challenges from high population density and rapid urbanization. Major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore experience severe overcrowding, straining infrastructure and public services. The National Family Health Survey - 5 (NFHS-5: 2019-21) shows urban areas in mainland India with higher population densities and greater migration inflows compared to rural areas, such as Mumbai's 31,700 people per square kilometre and Delhi's 11,320 per square kilometre. This high density leads to intense competition for resources, with Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu facing significant water scarcity. Overpopulation exacerbates environmental issues like pollution, with Uttar Pradesh having some of the highest particulate matter (PM2.5) levels in the country. The healthcare system also struggles under this pressure, with Uttar Pradesh's infant mortality rate at 41 per 1,000 live births and Bihar's at 47 per 1,000, both higher than the national average of 30 per 1,000 live births.
The North East, including states like Assam, Meghalaya, and Manipur, faces unique challenges influenced by ethnic diversity, geographical isolation, and socio-political factors. The region is home to various ethnic groups with distinct cultures and languages, which can lead to tensions over ethnic identity and land rights. NFHS-5 data indicates that Scheduled Tribes make up a significant portion of the population in the North East, with 31.8% in Assam and 86.1% in Meghalaya.
(To be contd)