According to the most recent United Nations figures, India has surpassed China to become the world’s most populous country, with 142.86 crore people. According to the most recent figures, China has 142.57 crore people and is now the second most populated nation.
According to the UN World Population Dashboard, UNFP, 25% of India’s population is under the age of 14, 18% are between the ages of 10 and 19, 26% are between the ages of 10 and 24, 68% are between the ages of 15 and 64, and 7% are above 65.
Experts claim that whereas the populations of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar are young, those of Kerala and Punjab are ageing.
According to numerous analyses from various organisations, India’s population would continue to grow for about three decades before reaching a peak of 165 crores. According to reports, it will then start to decline.
India’s representative to the UNFPA, Andrea Wojnar, stated that “India’s 1.4 billion people must be seen as 1.4 billion opportunities.”
“As the nation with the greatest youth cohort, with 254 million young people aged 15 to 24, it can contribute to innovation, fresh ideas, and long-lasting solutions.
“The trajectory can leapfrog forward if women and girls, in particular, are equipped with equal educational and skill-building opportunities, access to technology and digital innovations, and most importantly, with information and power to fully exercise their reproductive rights and choices,” the UN official stated.
The UN representative added that promoting more physical autonomy for women and girls as well as maintaining gender equality are the main factors in determining a sustainable future.
The focus of sexual and reproductive policy and programmes should be on women and girls. We won’t be able to open the door to an infinitely possible future until all people’s rights, freedoms, and equal worth are fully valued and upheld, according to Andrea Wojnar.
