India’s first population clock situated at the International Institute for Population Science in Mumbai, showcases the country’s growing population figures. The ten numbered white cards on the clock are manually updated daily, reflecting projections based on natural growth rate. The latest country’s population is over 1.42 billion people, as projected by the United Nations last April. Overpopulation has long been a concern in India, leading to the government implementing nationwide family planning in 1952, including enforced sterilization programs, sparking public debates and ultimately leading to the creation of the Indian clock in 1982.
Currently, projection estimates indicate that India’s population increases by just under 41,000 people a day. Although, family planning has largely been left to women with less than 10 percent of men using condoms, while almost 38 percent of women opt for sterilization, according to the government. The fertility rate varies across the country, with poorer states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar having the highest rates. Meanwhile, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, India’s two wealthiest states, have fertility rates far below the average.
The fertility and social demography expert, Professor Chander Shekhar, believes that the growing population figures in India do not have to be a ticking time bomb. He suggests that authorities need to focus on raising people’s quality of life, improving education and health outcomes, falling infant, and maternal mortality rates, as well as providing employment opportunities for the young population. However, India still faces challenges in providing basic resources such as water, air, and youth unemployment. At present, youth unemployment for 15-24 age groups stands at 23.2 percent, while the overall jobless rate was 7.7 percent in May.
In conclusion, India’s growing population is both a boon and bane, depending on how the authorities handle the increasing number. India needs to focus on the quality of life of its citizens and job creation for the young population while overcoming challenges like water scarcity and pollution. The Indian clock serves as a constant reminder of the rising population, and it is important for the government to craft sustainable solutions for the well-being of the country.
