New Delhi, Sept 2025 — India’s rural fertility rate has dropped to 2.1 children per woman, reaching the replacement level—the number needed to keep the population stable, according to the latest government data.
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What’s Happening?
- Overall fertility in India is now 1.9 children per woman, below the replacement level.
- Urban areas have long had fewer children, with a fertility rate of 1.5.
- Birth rate across the country has fallen to 18.4 births per 1,000 people in 2023, down from 19.1 the previous year.
Why It Matters
- Fewer children reflect better access to family planning and improved maternal healthcare.
- Societal changes, like more women working and pursuing education, also play a role.
- Policymakers can use this data to plan health services, education, and resources for future generations.
Interesting Fact
This is a big milestone for rural India, showing how demographics are changing beyond cities. While lower fertility helps stabilize population growth, the country still needs to focus on reducing death rates, which remain higher than pre-pandemic levels.
Takeaway:
India is slowly moving toward a balanced population, with both rural and urban areas showing smaller family sizes—a sign of changing times and lifestyles.
