The Silent Crisis: Why Political Parties Fail To Address India's Rapid Population Growth
When political parties in India avoid addressing one of the most critical issues—rapid population growth—they fail to provide effective and comprehensive solutions to the nation's problems. The burgeoning population, which currently stands at approximately 1.4 billion, exacerbates a range of socio-economic challenges, from unemployment to poverty. Understanding the reasons behind this inaction is crucial for developing a sustainable future for the country.
Avoidance as a Political Strategy
Political parties in India often avoid tackling the issue of rapid population growth because it is inherently complex and politically sensitive. Overpopulation is a long-term problem that does not offer short-term electoral gains. Instead, political leaders use other issues to engage voters, such as poverty, employment, and religion. By steering clear of population growth, they can focus on issues that appear more immediate and tangible to their constituents.
Imagine if India's population were just 30 million, as highlighted in the observation above. Ninety percent of the current problems would be resolved or significantly reduced. However, given the current population, every politician seems to dread addressing this elephant in the room.
Strategic Masking of Overpopulation
Politicians in India are highly adept at masking the issue of overpopulation. They cleverly shift the narrative to other issues that appear to address the population problem. For instance, when religion is discussed, politicians are quick to point out that a particular religious group is having more children, thereby subtly suggesting that this is a cultural issue rather than a demographic one.
Instead of introducing a one-child policy, which would be more effective in controlling population growth, politicians engage in a form of shadow war where they indirectly criticize other groups without directly addressing the issue.']."
The Demographic Dividend and Future Prospects
One of the primary reasons why political parties in India remain noncommittal about controlling population growth is their optimistic forecast of a demographic dividend. This occurs when a significant portion of the population is of working age, leading to higher economic growth. However, as of now, many are still anxiously awaiting the fulfillment of Goldman Sachs' prediction from 2002, which forecasted this dividend.
When this dividend materializes, political parties would be more inclined to address population growth. But for now, they must balance their commitment to attracting different voter demographics, including both conservative Hindus and Muslim vote banks. In the past, secular congress and Hindu conservative parties have shown resistance to population control policies, some even forcing sterilization upon unwilling participants.
Current Fertility Rates and Future Trends
Despite the reluctance of political parties to address the issue, there are indications that India's population growth is under control. Fertility rates have fallen below the replacement rate of 2.1 children per woman. However, there are still significant challenges, especially with the high rate of female infanticide. Even health ministers have acknowledged that many parents still prefer male children, a practice that contributes to the skew in the sex ratio.
Political parties are well aware that population control measures would be difficult to implement and maintain. Additionally, they recognize that short-term challenges like unemployment and poverty are more pressing concerns for the electorate. As a result, they avoid addressing population growth head-on, focusing instead on immediate and visible issues.
While political parties might not be taking proactive steps to address this critical issue, it is crucial for citizens to continue advocating for population control measures. By consistently demanding action, we can create a culturally and politically informed environment that promotes sustainable development and a better future for India.