Why in the News?
The latest Sample Registration System (SRS) 2024 bulletin shows India undergoing a major demographic transition, with declining birth rates, death rates, and infant mortality rates.
Key Findings
Birth Rate
- Fell from: 21 (2014) to 18.3 (2024)
- Measured as: Live births per 1,000 population
Death Rate
- Declined from: 6.7 to 6.4
- Measured as: Deaths per 1,000 population
Infant Mortality Rate (IMR)
- Reduced from 39 to 24
- IMR: Number of infant deaths per 1,000 live births
Rural-Urban Differences
Rural Areas
- Birth rate: 22.7 to 20.2
- Death rate: 7.3 to 6.8
- IMR: 43 to 27
Urban Areas
- Birth rate: 17.4 to 14.7
- Death rate: Slight increase from 5.5 to 5.6
- IMR: 26 to 17
State-wise Performance
Best Performing States
- Kerala: Lowest Natural Growth Rate (NGR): 3.9. Lowest IMR: 8
- Tamil Nadu: NGR: 4.8. IMR: 11
Smaller States and UTs
- Goa: NGR 4.2. IMR 11
- Andaman and Nicobar Islands: NGR 4.1. IMR 9
What is the Demographic Transition?
A process where:
- Birth rates and death rates gradually decline
- Population growth slows with development and improved healthcare
