SSC CPO 2025 PYQ — Question 80

Answer: This occurs when the difference between the birth rate and the death rate is negligible.
Explanation:
Population stabilization is the ideal state in which the size of a country's or region's population becomes approximately constant over time. This is achieved when the birth rate and the death rate become equal or very close to one another, resulting in a natural growth rate that is zero or negligible.
In this process, it is essential for the Total Fertility Rate (TFR) to reach the 'replacement level.' The replacement level signifies an average of 2.1 children per woman, allowing the population to balance itself in the next generation without any actual net growth. Population stabilization does not imply a 'zero birth rate'; rather, it means that the number of births occurring is being balanced by the number of deaths. This serves as an indicator of socio-economic development, improved healthcare facilities, and the successful implementation of family planning initiatives.
Additional Points:
India's Goal: According to the National Population Policy (NPP) 2000, India's long-term objective was to achieve population stabilization by 2045; however, there have since been discussions regarding revising this target to the year 2070.
TFR Data: According to data from the 'National Family Health Survey-5' (NFHS-5), India's Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has declined to 2.0, which is even lower than the replacement level (2.1). This indicates that India is rapidly progressing toward stabilization.
Potential Exam Questions and Answers:
Question: What value is considered to be the 'replacement-level fertility'?
Answer: 2.1 (the standard for developed countries).
Question: In which year was India's National Population Policy implemented?
Answer: In the year 2000.
Question: In which stage of the Demographic Transition Theory does the population begin to stabilize?
Answer: In the Fourth Stage, where both birth and death rates stabilize at low levels.