18-12-2012, 01:14 PM
Census of India: A Background
Census of India.pptx (Size: 127.75 KB / Downloads: 40)
Deceleration in population growth
As per 2011 census, India’s population size is 1.21 b. up from 1.03 b in 2001.
Decadal growth of 17.64 during 2001-11 as compared to 21.34 during 1991-2001.
Definite indication of declining fertility levels.
Although size of population in 2011 is still larger than most of the projection, sustained decline in growth rate has come as a welcome sign for planners and policy makers.
India is indeed fast approaching the end of third stage of demographic transition.
Wide variation across states in terms of growth rate.
Bihar over 25% . The other major states MP, UP and Rajasthan – the BIMARU states – all above 20%.
However, it is in these states where growth rate has declined at a faster pace.
In fact, growth in six most populous states has declined during the decade.
Kerala - the lowest growth – below 5 %. In 10-2- years the state will achieve stationery population.
Other southern states – 15 % or below. In fact the southern states are harbinger of population stabilisation.
Literacy Transition
Concept of literacy as per census.
A brief reference to the trends in literacy.
Male vis-à-vis female literacy rate – trends.
Change in the procedure for calculation of literacy rate – 1991.
Achievements after 1980s.
Gender gap began narrowing down first at the time of 1991 census.
Significant achievement but still short of the Planning Commission target of 85% by 2011-12.
Only 10 states/ UTs – mostly small in population size barring Kerala and Delhi – over this target.
The demographically vulnerable states – below 70% mark – Bihar and Rajasthan occupy the lowest positions.
Female literacy in these states – still worse picture.
At district-level – still larger disparity.
Sex Composition of Population
Deficit of females in the population a main feature.
Causes underlying imbalanced SR (define SR)
Survival disadvantages for women in past – the main reason.
A wide regional variation in SR – ‘north-south divide’ observed throughout the past.
SR that declined – almost uninterruptedly up to 1991 – witnessed further improvement .
A huge relief for researchers, planners and policy makers.
Sex Composition of Population
Narrowing sex differentials in child mortality might have contributed more than declining incidence of female foeticide.
Decline witnessed in even areas known for more equal gender relations – a serious trend – likely to blur the gap between northern and rest of the country.
Concluding
The provisional figures of 2011 Census – present a picture of both joy and concern for planners and policy makers.
Size of population higher than projected.
Size and time at which it will stabilize – revised.
Also, India will replace China as the most populous country earlier than expected.
But a definite sign of acceleration in demographic transition.
Improved reproductive health services and other sanitation and basic services will get translated into demographic results.