New Delhi: : A new global study published in the Lancet journal shows that India's fertility rate fell from nearly 6.2 in 1950 to just under 2 in 2021, and is expected to fall even further to 1.29 and 1.04 in 2050 and 2100, respectively.
These figures were discovered to be consistent with worldwide patterns, wherein the total fertility rate (TFR) decreased from over 4.8 children per woman in 1950 to 2.2 children per woman in 2021. It is predicted that in 2050 and 2100, these numbers will drop to 1.8 and 1.6, respectively.
According to the study, there were 12.9 crore live births worldwide in 2021, with an increase from roughly 9.3 crore in 1950 but decrease from a peak of 14.2 crore in 2016.
Experts warn that if the Lancet study turns out to be accurate, India might experience a significant decline in population in the coming years.
[With inputs from PTI]