In India, which of the following is NOT a factor responsible for reduction of birth rate in the 21st century?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Efficient sanitation
Since 1981, the growth of India’s population has slowed down because the crude birth rate has fallen.
Option (1) Increased female literacy — A factor. Better education of females has helped bring the birth rate down.
Option (2) Awareness and acceptance of family planning — A factor. Family planning means spacing or preventing the birth of children. Access to it is a significant factor in limiting population growth.
Option (3) Efficient sanitation — Not a factor. Better sanitation and health conditions bring down the death rate, not the birth rate.
Option (4) Increase in mean age of marriage — A factor. When people marry later, fewer children are born, so the birth rate falls.
NCERT (2026-27): “Phase IV : In the post 1981 till present, the growth rate of country’s population though remained high, has started slowing down gradually (Table 1.1). A downward trend of crude birth rate is held responsible for such a population growth. This was, in turn, affected by an increase in the mean age at marriage, improved quality of life particularly education of females in the country.” “Fertility remains high in the beginning of second stage but it declines with time. This is accompanied by reduced mortality rate. Improvements in sanitation and health conditions lead to decline in mortality. Because of this gap the net addition to population is high.” “POPULATION CONTROL MEASURES … Family planning is the spacing or preventing the birth of children. Access to family planning services is a significant factor in limiting population growth and improving women’s health.” |