Backward States show progress on fertility rates
It is encouraging that some promising trends have emerged from the States of Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, which are dubbed as Bimaru States, owing to poverty, underdevelopment, high fertility rate, population growth, life expectancy etc. Figures from the Sample Registration System Statistical Report 2014, have showed a decline in fertility rate in the age group of 15 to 19 years and 20 to 24 years over the last 15 years (2001 to 2014), especially in rural areas. Demographers have attributed this development to two reasons. First, delayed marriage of women and second, increased enrollment in educational institutions. Surely enough, low fertility rates (annual number of births per year, per 1,000 women) showcase economic and social progress. Among the four States in the Bimaru club, Bihar's record is significant. Fertility rate among women in the 15 to 19 age group in rural areas saw a decline from 56.8 in 2001 to 19.6 in 2014; in Madhya Pradesh, it came down from 92.1 to 45.1; in Rajasthan from 60.3 to 46.3, and in Uttar Pradesh, from 40.8 to 25.7. The age group of 20 to 24 years age saw a similar trend. There has been a fall in fertility rate in urban areas too, but not that sharp.
Qualitatively, education has had a significant impact on the lives of women in rural areas. In fact, education and delayed marriages are inter-linked. According to Census 2011, Rajasthan and Bihar had the least proportion of unmarried women across the four States. As more women are getting educated, there is an increased awareness about modes of contraception, about taking medical help for childbirth, about family planning and also about the social and health benefits of taking the right decision at the right time. However, as women are postponing decisions to achieve professional goals, there must be adequate employment opportunities. Also, efforts must be made to reduce school dropout rate among girls. Women, when involved in the labour force, can not only contribute towards household incomes but boost savings too.
A fall in fertility rate also indicates that there will be a fall in maternal mortality and infant mortality (number of deaths of children less than one year of age per 1,000 births) rates, as women will be postponing decisions to start a family. While these figures are welcome, the Government must undertake measures to sustain the momentum, otherwise in no time the situation can reverse. The need of hour is to raise awareness, give incentives and encourage young girls to complete their education. For example, Bihar gave bicycles to female students to reduce dropout rates in the secondary and higher secondary levels. Other States too must offer appropriate incentives. Meanwhile, it is seen that most life-changing decisions are taken by men. This must change. Women must be equal participants. A further decline in fertility rate will not only be good for the Bimaru States but also lead to the nation’s overall socio-economic development.