INDIA was the first country to launch a national Family Planning Programme in 1952. Over the years, the focus has shifted from just slowing population growth to broader goals like improving maternal and child health, adolescent health, and nutrition. These are often the key themes highlighted on World Population Day, which is celebrated on July 11, every year by the United Nations. The theme for this year is “Empowering young people to create the families they want in a fair and hopeful world.” In India, the young population is set to form tomorrow’s workforce, with 65% of people under the age of 35.
After 1952, as death rates dropped and birth rates stayed high, policymakers worried about how rapid population growth might affect India’s development. In 1976, the government introduced its first National Population Policy, believing that poverty was the main cause of population growth. However, strict population control measures during the Emergency (1975-77) created fear and mistrust, especially among the poor. These events remind us why World Population Day emphasises rights-based, voluntary family planning.
In the last 20 years, India has revised its policies to align with global evidence and human rights. The current National Population Policy (2000) ensures family planning services are voluntary, informed, and free from targets—principles that World Population Day champions every year on July 11th.
Sustainable Development Goals on population and India
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adopted in 2016 by 193 countries—including India—are a set of 17 global goals aimed at creating a more sustainable and equitable future by 2030. Goal 3 (Health and Well-being) and Goal 5 (Gender Equality) highlight the importance of family planning. They focus on reducing maternal and child mortality, ensuring universal access to sexual and reproductive healthcare, and providing family planning education and services. As a signatory to the SDGs, India has pledged to guarantee universal access to reproductive health services, including family planning, by 2030.
Origins of World Population Day
World Population Day was established by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in 1989, inspired by the global attention generated by the “Day of Five Billion” on July 11, 1987—the date when the world’s population reached five billion. Recognising the urgency of population-related issues, the UN General Assembly (Resolution 45/216, 1990) formalized the observance of this day to:
- Raise awareness on family planning, gender equality, and maternal health
- Highlight connections between population growth, poverty, and sustainable development
- Since its first global observance in 1990, over 90 countries have marked this day to address critical demographic challenges.
India’s Population: Key facts & challenges
- 1.43 billion people (as of 2023), surpassing China as the world’s most populous nation
- 17% of the global population lives in India, yet the country occupies only 2.2% of the world’s land area
- Adds 15 million people annually—the highest growth rate globally
- Projected to continue growing for decades, impacting employment, healthcare, and poverty reduction
India’s Census 2027: A historic leap into the digital era
As India gears up for Census 2027, the nation stands at a pivotal moment—where decades of unbroken census tradition converge with a transformative digital revolution. This landmark initiative marks the first comprehensive caste enumeration since independence, alongside cutting-edge innovations like mobile app-based data collection and online self-enumeration.
Set to be the most ambitious demographic exercise in India’s history, Census 2027 will not only redefine global benchmarks for large-scale population surveys but also lay the foundation for inclusive governance and data-driven policymaking. By capturing the true diversity of India’s population in the digital age, this census will ensure every voice is counted, shaping the nation’s future with precision and equity.
While population stabilization is crucial, policies must balance rights-based family planning, education, and economic development—key themes highlighted every World Population Day.
Effective population control requires a holistic approach—ensuring accessible healthcare, empowering women’s health, safeguarding infant well-being, and strengthening medical infrastructure. Across India, countless NGOs are doing incredible work in these critical areas, creating lasting impact in communities. Platforms like give.do connect donors with these vital initiatives, amplifying their reach and impact. By supporting these NGOs through donations, you can play a direct role in building a healthier, more sustainable future for all. Every contribution makes a difference—join the movement today!
Give exists to alleviate poverty by enabling the world to give. Established in 2000, Give, together with its partners, is the largest and most trusted giving platform in India. Give enables individuals and organizations to raise and donate funds conveniently to any cause they care about, with offerings including crowdfunding, corporate giving, cause marketing, and philanthropy consulting. Give’s community of 2.6M+ donors supports 3,000+ verified nonprofits, serving 15M+ people across the country.
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