India needs a more informed debate, better policy design to address population growth

The UN Population Division estimates that the medium fertility variant, the most likely scenario, will result in a peak population of 165 crore in the year 2061 and a decline thereafter.

Fertility has declined faster in Muslim communities compared to Hindu communities during the last decade and the gap has been narrowing over the years. The fertility rate has now reached near replacement rate in Hindu communities. (Representational Image)

The mention of a population explosion by the prime minister in his Independence Day speech has rekindled debate on population growth and family planning. The responses have varied. Some have called for a law to limit family size; some others have asked for disincentives for large families. Some have attributed the problem to specific communities.