Population & Associated Issues

Model Answer

Introduction

Poverty in India is defined as a sustained deprivation of resources, capabilities, and choices necessary for a decent standard of living. The intricate relationship between population growth and poverty has sparked debate: does a growing population cause poverty, or does poverty drive population growth?

Growing Population as a Cause of Poverty

1. Pressure on Resources

High population growth places immense pressure on the state’s economic resources. With a burgeoning population, the government struggles to provide adequate healthcare, education, and employment opportunities. This lack of resources can exacerbate poverty levels.

2. Family Resource Strain

Families with more children often face difficulties in providing for basic needs such as nutrition and education. This deprivation limits children’s capabilities, trapping families in a cycle of poverty. The inability to invest in education directly impacts future earning potential, perpetuating poverty.

Poverty Leading to Population Growth

1. Economic Motivations

For impoverished families, having more children can be seen as a strategy to improve economic security. More children mean more hands to work and contribute to family income, making poverty a driving factor of population growth.

2. Lack of Awareness and Resources

Many poor families lack access to education and proper family planning resources, leading to unplanned pregnancies. Additionally, high child mortality rates create uncertainty, prompting parents to have more children to ensure that some survive.

Conclusion

The relationship between population growth and poverty in India is complex and multifaceted. From a government perspective, increasing population can strain resources, exacerbating poverty. Conversely, from an individual viewpoint, poverty often drives families to have more children. Ultimately, the solution lies in enhancing the state’s ability to equip its population with skills and resources, transforming potential population growth into an asset rather than a liability. Addressing poverty and improving access to education and family planning will be crucial in breaking this cycle.

Model Answer

Introduction

India’s overall sex ratio was recorded at 943 females per 1,000 males in 2011. However, this figure masks significant regional disparities. For instance, according to the NITI Aayog’s SDG 2019 Index, Punjab’s sex ratio fell from 893 to 886, while Haryana’s was even lower at 833. These states, despite their high per capita incomes, exhibit adverse sex ratios, contrasting with better ratios in economically weaker regions like Bihar and Jharkhand.

Body

Reasons for Adverse Sex Ratios in Prosperous Regions

1. Son Preference: In affluent families, there is a strong belief that sons will provide better financial support in old age. This cultural mindset prioritizes male offspring as the primary wage earners, leading to a preference for sons over daughters.
2. Desire for Smaller Families: Educated women often prefer having fewer children. However, this trend results in a preference for male children, as families believe that a single child should be male to inherit property and carry on the family name.
3. Property Inheritance: In prosperous regions, property is highly valued, and social norms dictate that only male children inherit family assets. This reinforces the preference for sons, as families aim to secure their wealth through male heirs.
4. Social Practices: Despite legal prohibitions against dowry, the practice persists, particularly in wealthier regions. Families may view daughters as financial burdens due to dowry expectations, further contributing to the adverse sex ratio.
5. Access to Sex Selection Technologies: Increased income and awareness have made it easier for couples to access prenatal sex selection technologies, despite legal restrictions. This accessibility allows families to choose the sex of their child, often favoring males.
6. Selective Neglect: The child sex ratio reflects broader societal practices, including selective neglect of girls, which exacerbates the imbalance between the number of girls and boys.

Conclusion

To address the adverse sex ratio in prosperous regions, a shift in societal attitudes is essential. This includes stricter enforcement of laws against dowry and sex-selective abortions, as well as reforms in inheritance laws. While India has made strides in population control, achieving a balanced sex ratio remains a significant challenge.