India, June 14 -- India faces a new demographic challenge as fertility rates fall below the replacement level of 2.1. While slower population growth may ease pressure on resources and public services, a sustained decline could bring serious economic consequences. An ageing population, a shrinking workforce and rising dependency ratios may strain healthcare and pension systems while weakening economic growth. Policymakers must now focus on boosting productivity, supporting families, increasing workforce participation and preparing for an older society

India's National Family Health Survey-6, released last week, confirmed what demographers have observed for a decade: India's total fertility rate has remained at 2.0, fractionally below the ...