The Jiyo Parsi scheme supports increasing the Parsi population.

JIYO PARSI SCHEME

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Picture Courtesy: https://thehillstimes.in/national/kiren-rijiju-launches-jiyo-parsi-scheme-portal-to-reverse-declining-population

Context: The Union Minority Affairs Minister launched the Jiyo Parsi scheme portal.

About the Jiyo Parsi scheme

The Jiyo Parsi scheme is a Central Sector Scheme launched by the Union Ministry of Minority Affairs to address the declining population of the Parsi community in India.

Central Sector Scheme v/s Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS)

Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS)

●Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) are welfare schemes implemented by state governments but funded by the central government.

●Sponsored by the central government with a defined shareholding. The funding ratio varies, such as 50:50, 90:10, 75:25, or 70:30 between the central and state governments.

●It aims to supplement the efforts of state governments, by utilizing the central government's resources.

●Example:

Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act
Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana
Swachh Bharat Mission
National Rural Drinking Water Mission
National Health Mission (NHM)
Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana
National Programme of Mid-Day Meal in Schools
Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojna
Integrated Child Development Services
National Livelihood Mission

Central Sector Schemes

●Central Sector Schemes are entirely funded and implemented by the central government.

●It aims to address national priorities and ensure uniform implementation across the country.

●Example:

Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme
Namami Gange-National Ganga Plan
Family Welfare Scheme
Prime Minister Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP)
Khelo India

Objectives of the Scheme

Reverse Population Decline: The main goal is to reverse the declining trend of the Parsi population by adopting scientific protocols and comprehensive initiatives.
Stabilize Population: The scheme aims to stabilize the Parsi population and increase their numbers in India.

Key Features of the scheme

Financial Assistance: The scheme provides financial assistance to Parsi couples for:
- - Medical Assistance: Financial support for fertility treatments to address infertility issues.
  - Child Care Assistance: Financial aid for childcare to encourage Parsi couples to have more children.
  - Elderly Support: Assistance for dependent elderly members of the Parsi community.
Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): Financial assistance is provided through the Direct Benefit Transfer mode, ensuring transparency and efficiency.
Online Portal: The newly launched Jiyo Parsi scheme portal allows Parsi couples to apply online, check the status of their applications, and receive financial assistance directly.

Demographic Condition of India

According to the United Nations, by the end of April 2023, India officially surpassed China as the most populous nation.
- - This population boom has not only reshaped the social landscape but has also put immense pressure on the country's resources, infrastructure, and environment.
Earlier predictions indicated that India's population could reach 1.7 billion by 2050. However, Census data show a slowed in the growth rate; this suggests that India is entering a new phase of demographic transition, characterized by slower population growth.

Population growth of India per decade
Census year	Population	Change (%)
1951	361,088,003	–
1961	439,235,000	21.6
1971	548,160,000	24.8
1981	683,329,000	24.7
1991	846,387,888	23.9
2001	1,028,737,436	21.5
2011	1,210,193,422	17.7

Census

The history of the Indian census began in 1872, under Viceroy Lord Mayo. However, the first complete census was conducted in 1881. This exercise, repeated every ten years, has continued uninterrupted since then.
After India's independence in 1947, the responsibility for conducting the census was transferred to the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India, under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Since 1951, all censuses have been carried out under the 1948 Census of India Act. However, the act does not mandate the government to conduct the census at a specific time or to release the data within a set period.
The 2021 census was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Census 2011

India's population in 2011 was recorded at 1.21 billion, representing a decadal growth of 17.70%. India's population growth rate has slowed compared to previous decades.
About 68.84% lived in rural areas, while 31.16% resided in urban areas.
The effective literacy rate reached 74.04%.
- - Male literacy was recorded at 82.14%, while female literacy stood at 65.46%.
The 2011 Census included information on caste; this was the first time caste data had been collected since the British Raj in 1931.

Population	Total	1,210,854,977
	Males	623,724,568
	Females	586,469,294
Literacy	Total	74%
	Males	82.10%
	Females	65.46%
Density of population	per km²	382
Sex ratio	per 1000 males	943 females
Child sex ratio (0–6 age group)	per 1000 males	919 females

Population and Distribution by Religion

The 2011 Census revealed that Hindus constitute 79.8% of the population, while Muslims make up 14.23%, Christians 2.30%, and Sikhs 1.72%.
- - For the first time in the 2011 census, a "No Religion" category was introduced, and 2.87 million people identified as having no religious affiliation.
The Muslim population had the highest growth rate at 24.6%, significantly above the overall growth rate of 17.7%.
The growth rate for Christians was 15.5%.
Sikhs experienced a growth rate of 8.4%,
Both Buddhists and Jains had relatively low growth rates (6.1% and 5.4%, respectively), indicating a slower increase compared to the overall population.

Current Status of Demography: United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Report

The latest report by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), titled “Interwoven Lives, Threads of Hope: Ending Inequalities in Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights,” provides an in-depth analysis of India's demographic trends.

Demographic Overview

India’s population has surged to approximately 1.44 billion, surpassing China’s population of 1.425 billion.
At the current growth rate, India’s population could potentially double in about 77 years, highlighting the need for effective population management strategies.

Age Distribution

Children (0-14 years): 24% of the population.
Youth (10-19 years): 17% of the population.
Young Adults (10-24 years): 26% of the population.
Working Age (15-64 years): 68% of the population.
Elderly (65 years and above): 7% of the population.
Life Expectancy: Men have a life expectancy of 71 years, while women’s life expectancy is 74 years.

Challenges

Child Marriage: Remains prevalent, with about 23% of girls married before the age of 18 between 2006 and 2023.
Maternal Health: India has seen a reduction in maternal deaths, contributing to only 8% of global maternal fatalities. However, maternal mortality rates vary greatly by region and socioeconomic status.
- - The Maternal Mortality Estimation Inter-Agency Group (MMEIG) reports a global decrease in maternal mortality rates from 339 in 2000 to 223 in 2020, with India's MMR dropping from 384 in 2000 to 103 in 2020.

Recommendations

Demographic Management: The potential doubling of the population highlights the need for comprehensive policies to manage growth, including family planning and education.
Addressing Inequalities: There is a need for targeted interventions to address the disparities in health services, focusing on marginalized and vulnerable populations.
Policy and Programmatic Actions:
- - Child Marriage: Continued efforts are needed to combat child marriage and protect the rights of young girls.
  - Maternal Health Services: Enhancing maternal health services and addressing regional disparities can further reduce maternal mortality.
  - Gender-Based Violence: Implementing strategies to prevent and respond to gender-based violence is essential for safeguarding the rights and health of women.
Addressing Broader Challenges:
- - Climate Change and Migration: Addressing the impacts of climate change and migration on health disparities will require integrated approaches and cooperation between various sectors.

Factors Driving Population Growth in India

Fertility Rates

Fertility rates are a key driver of population growth. In India, the fertility rate has decreased significantly over the past few decades.
In the 1950s, the average Indian woman had about six children. Today, this number has dropped to around 2.0 children per woman. This decline is due to increased access to family planning, better education, and improved healthcare.
States like Kerala and Tamil Nadu have seen a sharp decline in fertility rates due to effective family planning programs and higher literacy rates among women.

Mortality Rates (Life Expectancy)

Life expectancy in India has improved significantly, contributing to population growth. Better healthcare, nutrition, and living conditions have led to longer lives. The average life expectancy in India is now around 70 years.
In states like Kerala, life expectancy is higher due to better healthcare infrastructure and social development programs.

Initial Age Profile

India has a young population, with approximately 50% of its people under the age of 25. This youthful demographic means that a large number of people are entering their reproductive years, which drives population growth.
The median age in India is 28, compared to 38 in the United States and 39 in China.

Migration

Internal migration within India also affects population growth. People move from rural areas to urban centres in search of better opportunities, which can lead to population increases in cities.
Cities like Mumbai and Delhi have seen significant population growth due to rural-to-urban migration.

Socioeconomic Factors

Economic development, education, and women’s empowerment are key factors influencing population growth. As more women gain access to education and employment, fertility rates tend to decline.
In urban areas, where education and employment opportunities are more accessible, fertility rates are generally lower.

Challenges of Population Growth in India

India’s rapid population growth presents several challenges that impact various aspects of society.

Resource Strain

As the population increases, the demand for essential resources like water, food, and energy also rises. This can lead to shortages and increased competition for these resources.
In many parts of India, water scarcity is a pressing issue. Cities like Chennai have experienced severe water shortages, affecting millions of residents.

Healthcare System Pressure

A growing population puts immense pressure on the healthcare system.
More people mean a higher demand for medical services, which can put pressure on existing healthcare infrastructure.

Education Challenges

Providing quality education to a large and growing population is another major challenge.
Overcrowded classrooms, insufficient educational facilities, and a shortage of qualified teachers can hinder the delivery of effective education.
In rural areas, schools often lack basic infrastructure and resources, making it difficult for children to receive a proper education.

Employment and Economic Growth

A rapidly growing population can lead to high unemployment rates, especially if economic growth does not keep pace with population growth. This can result in increased poverty and social unrest.
Despite India’s economic growth, unemployment remains a significant issue, particularly among the youth. Many young people struggle to find jobs that match their skills and qualifications.

Urbanization and Infrastructure

Rapid population growth often leads to urbanization, with more people moving to cities in search of better opportunities. This can strain urban infrastructure, leading to issues like traffic congestion, inadequate housing, and pollution.
Mumbai, one of India’s largest cities, faces significant challenges related to overcrowding, traffic congestion, and pollution. The city’s infrastructure struggles to keep up with the growing population.

Key Initiatives by the Government to Control Population Growth

National Population Policy (NPP) 2000: The initiative designed to stabilize India's population by 2045. The policy's primary goals include reducing the Total Fertility Rate (TFR) to replacement levels and ensuring the availability and accessibility of contraceptives and reproductive health services.
Family Planning Programs: India was the first country in the world to have launched a National Programme for Family Planning in 1952.
- - It focuses on promoting the use of contraceptives, and sterilization procedures.
  - It also provides financial compensation to individuals who opt for sterilization, encouraging participation in the initiative.
Mission Parivar Vikas: Launched in 2016, Mission Parivar Vikas targets 146 high-fertility districts across seven states to improve access to contraceptives and family planning services.
Raising Awareness: The government uses a variety of media channels, including television, radio, posters, and educational programs, to promote the benefits of small families and the use of contraceptives.
Incentives and Schemes: The Indian government has introduced various incentives to encourage couples to adopt family planning measures. For example, the National Family Planning Indemnity Scheme (NFPIS) provides insurance coverage to individuals who undergo sterilization, protecting them against potential complications and failures.

These comprehensive measures have contributed significantly to a decline in India's population growth rate and fertility rates. For example, the Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has decreased from 3.2 in 2000 to 2.0 in 2022, nearing the replacement level of 2.1.

Way forward to manage the population growth rate in India

Enhancing Public Health Services: Improving access to healthcare services, especially in rural areas, can significantly reduce infant and maternal mortality rates. This encourages families to have fewer children as the survival rate of infants increases.
Promoting Female Literacy and Education: Educating girls and women is crucial. Higher levels of education among women lead to better awareness of family planning methods and a preference for smaller families. Educated women are more likely to use contraceptives and delay marriage and childbirth.
Increasing Employment Opportunities for Women: Providing employment opportunities for women can lead to economic independence and a greater focus on career development, which often results in delayed marriages and fewer children.
Implementing Incentive-Based Schemes: Offering incentives to families who adopt family planning measures can be effective. This includes financial incentives, healthcare benefits, and educational opportunities for children.
Strengthening Legal and Policy Measures: Enforcing laws such as the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act and the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act can help reduce early marriages and unsafe abortions, contributing to lower fertility rates.
Encouraging Male Participation in Family Planning: Promoting the use of male contraceptive methods and involving men in family planning discussions can help distribute the responsibility of family planning more evenly.
Addressing Cultural Norms and Practices: Working to change cultural norms that favour large families and the preference for male children is essential. This can be done through education, community engagement, and policy measures.

Conclusion

India has made significant progress in controlling its population growth rate through targeted policies and initiatives, but sustained efforts are needed to address regional disparities and achieve long-term demographic stability.

Must Read Articles:

World Population Prospects 2024

Source:

PIB

Business Standard

Wikipedia

BBC

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Examine the role of urbanization in shaping population growth patterns in India. How has rapid urbanization influenced migration trends, infrastructure development, and regional population densities? What are the implications for future urban planning and resource management?