A recent report published in the peer-reviewed medical journal The Lancet reveals a substantial decline in India’s fertility rate, from nearly 6.2 in 1950 to just under two in 2021. The report further projects a continued decrease to 1.29 in 2050 and 1.04 in 2100, as indicated by a new global study also published in The Lancet. This decline aligns with global trends, with the total fertility rate (TFR) witnessing a similar decrease. From over 4.8 children per woman in 1950, the TFR has dropped to 2.2 children per woman in 2021. Globally, it is expected to decline to 1.8 in 2050 and further to 1.6 in 2100.

What are the reasons?