Context : Delhi has recorded the lowest Total Fertility Rate (TFR) in India at 1.4 in 2021, marking a 26.3% decline since 2011. This shift reflects changing social dynamics, economic pressures, and lifestyle factors in the urban population.
Relevance : GS 1(Society) ,GS 2(Social Issues)
Key Data Highlights
- Delhi’s TFR in 2021: 1.4 (lowest in India).
- Delhi’s TFR in 2011: 1.9 → a 26.3% decline over a decade.
- National average TFR: 2.0.
- Highest TFR: Bihar at 3.0.
Positive Factors Behind the Decline
- Women’s Empowerment:
- More women are financially independent and making individual reproductive choices.
- Better education and workforce participation among women delaying childbirth.
- Delayed Fertility Trends:
- Fertility has shifted to ages 30–44, with declining births in 15–29 age group.
- Couples now prioritize careers and financial stability before family planning.
- Urban Living Constraints:
- Migrant couples lack family support (e.g., grandparents), deterring multiple children.
- High cost of living: childcare, education, and nanny expenses discourage large families.
- Health Awareness & Access:
- Improved maternal and infant health services influencing reproductive decisions.
- Access to family planning services through ASHAs and public hospitals.
Challenges & Concerns
- Infertility & Lifestyle Diseases:
- Rise in PCOS and infertility linked to sedentary lifestyles, poor diet, and stress.
- Long working hours and pollution contribute to health-related reproductive challenges.
- Economic Pressures:
- Inflation makes child-rearing costly, leading couples to opt for a single child.
- Families prefer quality upbringing over quantity due to limited income.
- Changing Social Norms:
- Increasing number of couples voluntarily choosing not to have children.
Sociological Insights
- Reflects a transitioning urban society where individual choice, career goals, and economic rationality shape reproductive behavior.
- Marks a shift from family-driven to woman-driven fertility decisions.
