Introduction
The Sample Registration System (SRS) Statistical Report 2024 provides updated data on India’s vital statistics, including birth rates, death rates, and fertility trends. It serves as the primary source for annual demographic data between Census exercises.
Why in News?
The 2024 report signals that India’s demographic dividend is gradually transitioning into an ageing phase, as the Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has hit the replacement level and longevity continues to rise.
Key Prelims Facts
- Crude Birth Rate (CBR): There is a consistent downward trajectory in CBR across almost all Indian states.
- Total Fertility Rate (TFR): The national average has reached or dipped below the replacement level of 2.1.
- Ageing Projections: By 2050, it is estimated that 20% (every fifth person) of India’s population will be over the age of 60.
- Feminization of Ageing: A higher proportion of the elderly population consists of women due to higher life expectancy among females compared to males.
- Regional Divide: Southern states like Kerala and Tamil Nadu are experiencing faster ageing, whereas Northern states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh remain younger.
- Dependency Ratio: The old-age dependency ratio is on the rise, while the child dependency ratio is declining.
Important Static Linkages
- Registrar General of India (RGI): Established in 1949, it operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs. It conducts the Decennial Census and the Sample Registration System (SRS).
- Demographic Transition Model: India is currently in the late third or early fourth stage, characterized by low birth and death rates.
- Replacement Level Fertility: Defined as the level of fertility at which a population exactly replaces itself from one generation to the next, usually considered 2.1 children per woman.
Places / Bodies / Reports / Schemes in News
- Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY): A comprehensive umbrella scheme for the welfare of senior citizens.
- National Programme for Health Care of the Elderly (NPHCE): Focuses on geriatric care at primary, secondary, and tertiary levels.
- Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana (PMVVY): A pension scheme for senior citizens (60+) offering guaranteed returns.
- Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007: A legal framework that makes it mandatory for children/heirs to provide maintenance to senior citizens.
Subject-wise Prelims Relevance
- Economy/Geography: Population dynamics, demographic dividend, and labor force participation.
- Social Justice: Welfare schemes for the elderly and vulnerable sections.
- Governance: Reports by the Registrar General of India and the role of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Important One-Liners
- India’s TFR is currently estimated at approximately 1.9 to 2.0, which is below the replacement level of 2.1.
- The SRS is a large-scale demographic survey that provides annual estimates of infant mortality rate, birth rate, and death rate.
- The term “Greying of India” refers to the increasing median age and the rising share of the 60+ population.
Possible Prelims Traps
- Trap 1: The SRS report is published by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI). (Correction: It is published by the Registrar General of India under the Ministry of Home Affairs).
- Trap 2: Every state in India has already achieved a TFR below 2.1. (Correction: While the national average is below 2.1, some states like Bihar and UP are still slightly above the replacement level).
- Trap 3: Replacement level fertility is exactly 2.0 children per woman. (Correction: It is generally 2.1 to account for infant mortality).
Practice MCQs
Q1. With reference to the Sample Registration System (SRS) Statistical Report 2024, consider the following statements:
- 1. The report indicates that India’s Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has remained significantly above the replacement level.
- 2. The Southern states are ageing faster than the Northern states of India.
- 3. The Registrar General of India, which releases the SRS, functions under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 3 only
D) 1, 2, and 3
Answer: B (Statement 1 is incorrect as TFR has reached or dipped below the replacement level of 2.1).
Q2. Which of the following schemes is specifically designed as a pension scheme for senior citizens in India?
A) PM SVANidhi
B) PM Vaya Vandana Yojana (PMVVY)
C) Atal Pension Yojana
D) PM KISAN
Answer: B (While Atal Pension Yojana is for the unorganized sector, PMVVY is specifically a pension/annuity scheme for those aged 60 and above).
Conclusion
The SRS Report 2024 is a vital indicator for UPSC Prelims, highlighting that India’s demographic challenge is shifting from “population explosion” to “population ageing.” Understanding these trends and the associated government schemes is crucial for the examination.
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Full Current Affairs Analysis: https://iasment.com/indias-demographic-transition-navigating-the-challenges-of-an-ageing-population-ref-srs-report-2024/