In his theory of population, Malthus stressed the need of keeping population within limits to the point he called Optimum. This is the point below or above in which decrease or increase in population affects the overall well being of a society or nation. If the population is less then it said to be an underdeveloped country and if the population is more then it is said to be an underdeveloped country.
But India’s billion plus population is expected to overtake that of China by the middle of the century.It is being increasingly regarded by the policy planner of India that the population is not a liability rather its an asset that can prop the country to economic greatness.
There are many countries in Africa which are sparsely populated but are among the most backward countries of the world. Does a small population guarantee you a place in the front-line of developed nations? No friends no. Not that anyone is encouraging people to have more children- quite the opposite but the new thinking in the government circle is that India’s Population should be used to illustrate country’s huge potential both in economic and political fields.
Experts say on just 2.4% of global landmass 16% of global population is living. Successive Indian Governments have been faced with the problems of how to reduce the ever increasing pressure on ever dwindling resources.
Now its massive workforce is seen as country’s greatest resource to harness. Now a days it is seen that whatever problem, the country is facing, today that is due to its population. Yes I agree population does dilute the results and achievements of many plan and policies but that’s just the one side of the coin. With far sighted vision and planning suited to the local needs, taking in account the unique features of our nation, it is possible to achieve a lot. one billion plus brains can change nation’s destiny. The Government’s record says that 402 million Indians are aged between 15 to 59 the working age and this number will grow to 820 million by 2020.
Economists such as Jayate Ghosh of Jawaharlal Nehru University advocate large doses of investments in health, education , infrastructure and sanitation, if India wants to take advantage of its work force and opportunities.
China has proved that population is an asset and if invested heavily in human resources and equitably distributed, nation can reach dazzling heights. China is emerging as a competitor to U.S.A. in many fields. If China can do this then why can’t we?
India will also need to improve its 20-30% of population which is currently below poverty line. This is vital if India wants to convert its huge population into demographic bonus or dividend. The large country like India can achieve the impossible with decentralized enterprise and planning.
I end with a quotation- “It is good to have giant’s strength but it is tyrannous to use it like a giant”.
Aishwarya Jugade
'Campus Writing' 