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Gujarat's Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has dropped to 1.8 in 2023, marking the second steepest decadal decline among Indian states with a 24% fall. This rate is below the population replacement level of 2.1, signaling potential population depletion for the state. Factors contributing to this trend include delayed marriages, family planning choices, and shrinking family sizes, with the average age at childbirth increasing. The state also experienced a sharper decline in its crude birth rate compared to the national average, alongside identified gaps in reproductive health awareness.
In a nutshell
The significant decline in Gujarat's fertility rate below the replacement level highlights a critical demographic shift with potential long-term implications for the state's population structure and socio-economic landscape. This trend, while reflecting broader national patterns, is particularly pronounced in Gujarat, necessitating focused attention on public health initiatives and understanding societal factors influencing family planning decisions.
Source: Zee News
