In a notable development, chief ministers from two southern Indian states—Andhra Pradesh’s Chandrababu Naidu and Tamil Nadu’s M.K. Stalin—have expressed alarm over the region’s aging population, calling for increased birth rates among their constituents. Their statements came just 48 hours apart and underscore a growing concern that is not new for southern leaders.
As previously reported by ThePrint, during the ninth governing council meeting of NITI Aayog on July 27, 2024, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, several chief ministers voiced the necessity for a “demographic management” strategy to tackle the challenges posed by an aging populace. This marked a significant moment in which state leaders openly addressed demographic issues at such a high-level forum.
Prime Minister Modi responded positively, urging states to develop demographic management plans to counter these trends.
The urgency of these concerns is evident; India is witnessing a sharp decline in its fertility rate alongside a rapid increase in the elderly population. Shamika Ravi, a member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister, highlighted the paradox of India’s demographic landscape. While the median age in India is still a youthful 28, there are already 120 million individuals aged 60 and above. “This situation will lead to a scenario where we have a declining fertility rate, a significant dependent population, and a shrinking workforce to support them,” she warned.
Ravi further elaborated on the economic implications of this demographic shift, emphasizing the need for a robust working population to support both the growing elderly demographic and the young. “Currently, this demographic shift is occurring at a per capita income of $3,000, which poses distinct challenges compared to when we reach a higher economic status. We must ensure we have adequate resources and financial frameworks to address the needs of an aging population, investing in health care, infrastructure, and assisted living,” she said.
The government has recognized the issue, with Ravi suggesting that discussions surrounding India’s population dynamics will become increasingly prevalent. She underscored the need to reframe the narrative around population growth, asserting that it should be viewed as a valuable asset rather than a liability.
NITI Aayog member Arvind Virmani echoed these sentiments during the same July meeting, acknowledging that many states will experience a decline in their working-age population. He remarked, “The emphasis from certain chief ministers reflects the demographic changes underway. Over the next 15 years, these shifts will accelerate, and we must consider the implications for skills and job creation in states where the young population is decreasing.”
As the dialogue around India’s demographic future intensifies, it becomes increasingly clear that addressing the dual challenges of an aging population and declining birth rates will require comprehensive strategies and a collaborative effort across states.
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