The latest findings of the National Family Health Survey-6 (NFHS-6) have highlighted a significant demographic trend in India. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands have recorded the country’s lowest Total Fertility Rate (TFR) of 0.9, making it the only Union Territory with a fertility rate below one child per woman. This development has attracted attention from policymakers, demographers, and public health experts because it indicates a rapidly ageing population and potential long-term demographic challenges.
Total Fertility Rate (TFR) refers to the average number of children a woman is expected to have during her reproductive years (15–49 years). A TFR of 2.1 is considered the replacement level, meaning a population can replace itself from one generation to the next without migration. When fertility falls below this level for an extended period, population decline and ageing become likely outcomes.
According to NFHS-6, the TFR of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands has declined from 1.3 in NFHS-5 to 0.9 in NFHS-6. Earlier, NFHS-4 had reported a TFR of 1.4. This consistent decline demonstrates a long-term demographic shift occurring in the Union Territory.
The survey also found that the proportion of children below five years of age decreased from 5.3% to 3.7%, while the share of people aged 60 years and above increased. These figures indicate that the region is experiencing population ageing at a faster pace than many other parts of India.
Several social and economic factors have contributed to this trend. Experts point to increased female literacy, better educational opportunities, economic independence of women, greater awareness of family planning, and changing family preferences. Many couples now prefer smaller families and often choose to have only one child.
Improved access to contraception and healthcare services has also played an important role. As healthcare systems become more effective and child survival rates improve, families often choose to have fewer children.
A fertility rate of 0.9 is far below the replacement level and may result in a shrinking population over time if migration does not compensate for the decline. Fewer births mean a smaller future workforce, which can affect economic productivity and increase the dependency ratio as the elderly population grows.
An ageing population may also create additional pressure on healthcare systems, pension schemes, and social welfare programs. Governments often need to redesign policies to support senior citizens when fertility rates remain low for extended periods.
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are part of a larger demographic transition occurring across India. NFHS-6 indicates that India’s overall TFR has fallen to approximately 1.9, which is also below the replacement level. This reflects changing social norms, rising urbanization, greater female participation in education and employment, and increased access to reproductive healthcare.
While some states continue to record higher fertility rates, many regions are witnessing declining birth rates similar to those observed in developed countries. This shift marks a major transformation in India’s demographic landscape.
This news is significant because fertility rates are one of the most important indicators used to understand population growth and demographic change. The decline of TFR to 0.9 in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands represents an important milestone in India’s demographic transition.
Governments rely on fertility data to design healthcare, education, employment, and social welfare policies. A declining fertility rate may require policymakers to focus more on elderly care, healthcare infrastructure, and workforce sustainability.
A shrinking young population can affect labor supply and economic growth. Countries with very low fertility rates often face challenges related to workforce shortages and increasing pension burdens. Therefore, understanding these demographic trends is crucial for long-term planning.
Questions related to NFHS, demographic indicators, fertility rates, replacement-level fertility, population ageing, and health surveys frequently appear in UPSC, State PSC, SSC, Banking, Railways, Defence, and Teaching examinations. This development is therefore highly relevant from a current affairs perspective.
The National Family Health Survey (NFHS) is a large-scale, multi-round survey conducted to collect data on population, health, nutrition, and family welfare indicators across India. Since its inception in 1992-93, NFHS has become one of the most important sources of demographic and health information in the country.
India’s fertility rate has steadily declined over the past two decades. The national TFR was around 3.2 in the early 2000s and has gradually fallen below the replacement level. Improvements in education, healthcare, urbanization, and family planning have contributed significantly to this trend.
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands have consistently recorded low fertility levels. The TFR was approximately 1.4 in NFHS-4, declined to 1.3 in NFHS-5, and has now fallen to 0.9 in NFHS-6. This continuous decline reflects changing social and economic conditions in the Union Territory.
The NFHS-6 report states that the Andaman and Nicobar Islands recorded India’s lowest Total Fertility Rate (TFR) of 0.9 children per woman, which is significantly below the replacement level.
The replacement level fertility rate is 2.1 children per woman, which is considered necessary to maintain a stable population without migration.
A very low fertility rate can lead to population ageing, shrinking workforce, higher dependency ratio, and long-term economic challenges.
The data is reported under the National Family Health Survey-6 (NFHS-6) conducted by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
The TFR has steadily declined:
Key factors include female education, urbanization, awareness of contraception, economic development, and preference for smaller families.
NFHS data is important for UPSC, State PSC, SSC, Banking, Railways, and Defence exams as it covers population, health, and social indicators.
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