Is Bihar’s high replacement rate a consequence of poverty?
(Source – Page 11, The Hindu Delhi Edition)
| Topic: GS Paper 2 (Health), GS Paper 4 (Ethics in Governance) |
| Context |
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Understanding TFR in Bihar:
- Bihar’s TFR remains at 3.0 — the highest in India — despite falling infant mortality and improved education.
- National average TFR is 2.0, indicating fertility transition; Bihar lags significantly.
Cultural and Economic Drivers:
- Preference for sons and larger families persists, especially in rural areas.
- TFR in urban Bihar is also high (2.3), indicating deep-rooted fertility norms.
Link to Poverty and Literacy:
- Female literacy and employability remain low.
- Lack of access to modern contraception and agency in family planning.
Policy and Political Dimensions:
- Future delimitation may impact southern states with low TFR adversely.
- Raises issues of inter-state equity and democratic representation.
Way Forward:
- Invest in female education and rural employment.
- Culturally tailored family planning communication.
- Reconsider Finance Commission’s weightage to population.
| Practice Question: Despite socio-economic development, some Indian states show high fertility rates. Examine the causes and implications of regional fertility divergence with special reference to Bihar.15 marks / 250 words) (250 Words /15 marks) |
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