India is regarded as a country With "Demographic Dividend". This is due to
Its high population in the age group of 15-64 years
Understanding India's Demographic Dividend
The term "Demographic Dividend" refers to the potential economic growth that can result from shifts in a population's age structure, mainly when the share of the working-age population (typically 15 to 64 years) is larger than the non-working-age share (the young and the old).
Why India is Regarded as Having a Demographic Dividend
India is often referred to as a country experiencing a demographic dividend. This is because it currently has a significant proportion of its population in the working-age group. This age structure presents a potential window of opportunity for accelerated economic growth.
- A large working-age population means a larger potential workforce.
- With more people able to work and contribute to the economy, there can be higher productivity.
- There is a potentially lower dependency ratio, meaning fewer young dependents (below 15) and old dependents (above 65) relative to the working population. This can free up resources for investment in health, education, and infrastructure.
Analyzing the Given Options
Let's look at the provided options in the context of the demographic dividend:
- Its high population in the age group below 15 years: This age group primarily consists of children who are dependents and not yet part of the workforce. A high proportion here increases the dependency burden, which is the opposite of what drives a demographic dividend.
- Its high population in the age group of 15-64 years: This is the standard age range considered for the working-age population. A high proportion of people in this group means a larger potential workforce and lower dependency burden, which is the core characteristic of a demographic dividend.
- Its high population in the age group above 65 years: This age group primarily consists of the elderly, who are generally retired and considered dependents. A high proportion here also increases the dependency burden, counteracting the benefits of a demographic dividend.
- Its high total population: While India has a large total population, the demographic dividend is not about the total number of people, but the *proportion* of people in the working-age group relative to dependents. A country with a high total population might not have a demographic dividend if it has a very young or very old population structure.
Based on the definition and characteristics of a demographic dividend, having a high population in the 15-64 years age group is the key factor.
| Age Group | Description | Relevance to Demographic Dividend |
|---|---|---|
| Below 15 years | Young dependents | Increases dependency ratio, counteracts dividend |
| 15-64 years | Working-age population | Key to demographic dividend; potential workforce |
| Above 65 years | Elderly dependents | Increases dependency ratio, counteracts dividend |
Conclusion
India is regarded as a country with "Demographic Dividend" primarily due to its high population in the age group of 15-64 years. This favorable age structure offers a potential for economic growth, provided appropriate policies are in place to utilize this human capital effectively through education, health, and employment opportunities.
Revision Table: Key Concepts of Demographic Dividend
| Concept | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Demographic Dividend | Potential economic growth from a favorable population age structure. |
| Working-Age Population | Typically individuals aged 15 to 64 years. |
| Dependency Ratio | The ratio of dependents (young and old) to the working-age population. |
| Window of Opportunity | The temporary period when a country experiences the demographic dividend. |
Additional Information: Maximizing the Demographic Dividend Potential
Simply having a large working-age population does not automatically guarantee economic growth. To fully realize the benefits of the demographic dividend, a country like India needs to invest in:
- Education and Skill Development: Ensuring the workforce is educated and possesses relevant skills for the economy.
- Healthcare: A healthy population is a productive population.
- Job Creation: Creating sufficient employment opportunities for the growing workforce.
- Good Governance and Economic Policies: Implementing stable and growth-oriented economic policies that encourage investment and productivity.
Failure to harness the demographic dividend can lead to challenges such as high unemployment and social unrest, turning the potential asset into a liability.
Important Questions from India - Size and Location
Consider the following pairs: Famous place Region
1. Bodhgaya Baghelkhand
2. Khajuraho Bundelkhand
3. Shirdi Vidarbha
4. Nasik (Nashik) Malwa
5. Tirupati Rayalaseema
Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
If you travel by road from Kohima to Kottayam, what is the minimum number of States within India through which you can travel, including the origin and the destination?
A state in India has the following characteristics:
1) Its northern part is arid and semiarid.
2) Its central part produces cotton.
3) Cultivation of cash crops is predominant over food crops.
Which one of the following states has all of the above characteristics ?
A particular State in India has the following characteristics : 1. It is located on the same latitude which passes through northern Rajasthan. 2. It has over 80% of its area under forest cover. 3. Over 12% of forest cover constitutes Protected Area Network in this State. Which one among the following States has all the above characteristics?
With reference to the wetlands of India, consider the following statements :
1. The country's total geographical area under the category of wetlands is recorded more in Gujarat as compared to other States.
2. In India, the total geographical area of coastal wetlands larger than that of wetlands.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
