Declining fertility will see the population of under 15 years decrease relative to where it stood in 2011
By 2036, the population of India is expected to reach 152.2 Crore, with a slightly improved female percentage of 48.8% as compared to 48.5 percent in 2011.
The proportion of individuals under 15 years is projected to decrease from 2011 to 2036, likely due to declining fertility. Conversely, the proportion of the population aged 60 years and above is anticipated to substantially increase during this period. The 25th issue of “Women and Men in India 2023” a publication brought out by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.
The sex ratio is set to rise marginally from 943 in 2011 to 952 by 2036. The link between dipping fertility and the changed age profile of the population is borne out by the fertility trends of various age groups. “It is evident that from 2016 to 2020, Age Specific Fertility Rate in the age group of 20-24 and 25-29 has reduced from 135.4 and 166.0 to 113.6 and 139.6 respectively. The ASFR for the age 35-39 for the above period has increased from 32.7 to 35.6 which shows that after settling in the life, women are thinking of expansion of family. Adolescent Fertility Rate was 33.9 for illiterate population whereas 11.0 for the literate in 2020. This rateconsiderably lower for even those who are literate but without any formal education (20.0) as compared to illiterate women reemphasizing the importance of imparting education to women,” the report says.
The publication also recorded some interesting trends including the gender breakup of voters. It noted that up to the 15th National Election (1999), less than 60% of women electors participated, with men’s turnout being 8 percentage points higher. However, the 2014 elections marked a significant change, with women’s participation increasing to 65.6%, and further rising to 67.2% in the 2019 elections. For the first time, the voter turnout percentage was marginally higher for women, highlighting the impact of increasing literacy and political awareness among women.
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has recognized a total of 1,17,254 start-ups since its inception in January 2016 up to December 2023. Among these, 55,816 start-ups are led by women, constituting 47.6% of the total recognized start-ups. This significant representation underscores the growing influence and contribution of women entrepreneurs in India’s start-up ecosystem.
