Sikkim’s fertility rate declines to 1.1, among lowest in the world
Experts warn that sustained declines could lead to an aging population, labor shortages, and increased pressure on social welfare systems.
LOCAL
Sikkim’s Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has fallen to 1.1 births per woman, marking one of the lowest rates globally, according to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) 2019-21. This figure is notably below India’s national average of 2.0 births per woman.
The state’s fertility rate has seen a steady decline from 2.0 in 2005-06 to 1.2 in 2015-16, before reaching the current record low. Sikkim’s TFR now aligns with countries like South Korea (0.78), Hong Kong (0.70), and Macao (0.66), which face significant demographic challenges from low birth rates.
Experts warn that sustained declines could lead to an aging population, labor shortages, and increased pressure on social welfare systems. Factors driving this trend include higher contraceptive use, delayed marriages, shifting socio-economic priorities, and economic challenges.
The situation is particularly concerning in rural Sikkim, where high sterilization rates among less-educated women have further impacted birth rates. If this trend continues, Sikkim may encounter serious demographic imbalances affecting its economic growth and workforce sustainability.
To address the issue, experts recommend policy measures such as financial incentives for larger families, improved childcare support, and family-friendly work policies. The state government may need to adopt a balanced approach to population growth and sustainable development to safeguard Sikkim’s socio-economic stability.