India's Population Set to Stabilize by 2080: Key Insights and Implications

India's population is expected to stabilize by 2080 at 1.8 or 1.9 billion due to a declining total fertility rate now at 1.9. Factors contributing to this include increased education and development, particularly among women, and greater access to contraceptives, impacting reproductive choices and birth rates.

India is projected to stabilize its population by 2080, reaching approximately 1.8 to 1.9 billion, according to demographic experts. This forecast is driven by a significant drop in the total fertility rate, now standing at 1.9, which is below the replacement level.

The Indian Association for the Study of Population's general secretary, Anil Chandran, highlights that the sharp drop in fertility rates is a result of increased educational attainment and socio-economic development. Improved female literacy has played a critical role in shaping family planning decisions, leading to smaller family sizes.

In addition to these factors, the widespread adoption of contraceptives and enhanced access to birth control methods have further propelled the decline in birth rates. As life expectancy rises due to better healthcare, the challenges of caring for an aging population are becoming more pronounced, prompting discussions on innovative solutions like elderly day-care facilities.

(With inputs from agencies.)