Subject: Indian Society

Poverty and population growth share a complex, bidirectional relationship in India's socio-economic landscape, characterized by both cause-and-effect dynamics and multiple intervening variables.

Poverty as a Cause of Population Growth

• Limited Access to Healthcare: Poor families often lack access to reproductive healthcare services and family planning facilities, leading to unplanned pregnancies.

• Economic Security: Children are seen as additional earning members and old-age security, particularly in economically disadvantaged families (Son Meta-Preference phenomenon).

• Educational Barriers: Poverty restricts access to education, especially for girls, limiting awareness about family planning (BBBP Scheme).

Population Growth as a Cause of Poverty

• Resource Strain: Growing population puts pressure on limited resources, affecting per capita availability of essential services.

• Employment Challenges: Population growth often outpaces job creation, leading to unemployment and underemployment.

• Infrastructure Burden: Rapid population growth strains public infrastructure and social services, affecting quality of life.

Breaking the Correlation Myth

• Declining Trends: India's population growth rate is projected to decrease from 2.20% in 1971 to 1% in 2024, showing successful population control measures.

• Poverty Reduction: According to World Bank data, India's poverty rate at $3 a day has decreased to 5.25% in 2022, with further reduction to 4.6% in 2024.

• Weak Statistical Connection: Studies show a weak correlation (coefficient of 0.34) between changes in Total Fertility Rate (TFR) and consumption poverty.

Way Forward

• Integrated Approach: Implementation of schemes like Mission Parivar Vikas and POSHAN Abhiyan addressing both population and poverty.

• Women Empowerment: Focus on female education and economic participation through PMMY and NRLM.

• Healthcare Access: Strengthening Ayushman Bharat and family planning services in rural areas.

India's successful implementation of Mission Indradhanush and National Health Mission demonstrates that population growth and poverty can be simultaneously addressed through targeted interventions and comprehensive socio-economic development programs.