As per projections, which region's share of overall Indian population is set to decrease in 2025 and beyond?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
Solution: The correct answer is Southern.
Explanation:
☛ According to demographic projections by the Technical Group on Population Projections, the Southern region's share in India's total population is set to decline in 2025 and subsequent years.
☛ This decrease is primarily attributed to early demographic transition and rapid decline in the Total Fertility Rate (TFR) across southern states, dropping well below the replacement level.
☛ States like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka have seen significant declines in birth rates due to higher female literacy, better healthcare access, and effective family planning.
☛ Conversely, states in the Northern region (such as Uttar Pradesh and Bihar) have maintained higher fertility rates, leading to an increase in their relative share of the national population.
Extra Exam-Relevant Facts:
☛ Northern region: Its share in India's population continues to rise due to higher natural population growth rates.
☛ Replacement Level Fertility: A TFR of 2.1 children per woman is considered the replacement level fertility, ensuring population stabilization over time.
☛ NFHS-5 Data: As per the National Family Health Survey-5 (2019–21), India's overall TFR declined to 2.0.
☛ Delimitation Freeze: The 84th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2001 froze the readjustment of Lok Sabha constituencies based on the 1971 Census until after the first census post-2026.
Important One-Liners for Upcoming Exams:
☛ What is the standard replacement level Total Fertility Rate (TFR)? → 2.1
☛ Which Indian state was the first to achieve below-replacement level fertility? → Kerala
☛ What is India's overall Total Fertility Rate (TFR) according to NFHS-5? → 2.0
☛ Which Constitutional Amendment froze the delimitation of parliamentary seats until after 2026? → 84th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2001
☛ Which body constitutes the Technical Group on Population Projections in India? → National Commission on Population (Ministry of Health and Family Welfare)