High Unemployment Rate: The increase in population is accompanied by a growth in the labor force, resulting in a significant portion of the population experiencing unemployment.
o As per the India Employment Report 2024, India's working population increased from 61% in 2011 to 64% in 2021, and it is projected to reach 65 % in 2036. On the other hand, the percentage of youth involved in economic activities declined to 37% in 2022.
Aging Population: According to the India Ageing Report 2023 of United Nations Population Fund, India's elderly population is growing rapidly, with a decadal growth rate of 41% and by 2050, over 20% of India's population will be elderly.
o Aging population faces several challenges related to healthcare, social and financial security.
Resource Scarcity- The rapid growth of the population has a negative effect on resource usage and its access.
o For example- Cities like Delhi and Bangalore and the State of Rajasthan have been facing severe water stress.
o Also, as per a recent survey of the Central Water Commission, India's per capita water availability has dropped from 1,816 cubic metres in 2001 to approximately 1,486 cubic metres in 2024, leading the country towards water stress.
Low Living Standard: Rapid population growth makes it more difficult for low-income and lower-middle-income countries to afford the increase in public expenditures on social sectors which negatively impacts a minimum quality of life for all citizens.
o Moreover, the vicious cycle of poverty undermines the demographic dividend by limiting access to education, healthcare, and job opportunities.
o High fertility rates and social inequality increase economic burdens, while poor infrastructure and economic instability stifle growth.
Unplanned Urbanisation: It comes with issues such as overburdened infrastructure, traffic congestion and pollution, slum growth on the outskirts of cities, housing challenges and environmental degradation.
o India’s urban population is expected to grow from 410 million in 2014 to 814 million by 2050. India is projected to add 4 new megacities by 2030 which could lead to more unplanned urbanisation and slum related issues.