1. Introduction

Population: The pivotal element in social studies.

• Human beings are producers & consumers of earth’s resources.
• ‘Resources’, ‘calamities’, ‘disasters’ are meaningful only in relation to humans.
• Census: Official enumeration of population done periodically.
  → First Census: 1872. First Complete Census: 1881.

2. Size and Distribution

A. By Numbers (March 2011):

• Total Population: 1,210.6 Million (1.21 Billion).
• World Share: 17.5% of world’s population (in just 2.4% of world’s area).
• Most Populous State: Uttar Pradesh (199 million).
• Least Populous: Sikkim (0.6 million), Lakshadweep (64,429).
• ~50% Population lives in 5 states: UP, Maharashtra, Bihar, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh.

B. By Density (People per sq km):

• India’s Density (2011): 382 persons/sq km.
• Highest: Bihar (1,102).
• Lowest: Arunachal Pradesh (17).
• Reasons for Variation: Rugged terrain, climate (Low density) vs. Flat plains, fertile soil (High density).

3. Growth of Population

Change in number of inhabitants during a specific period.

• Absolute Increase: Persons added each decade. (2011 Pop – 2001 Pop).
• Annual Growth Rate: Pace of increase (in % per annum).
  → e.g., 2% rate = Increase of 2 persons for every 100 persons.
• Since 1981, growth rate started declining gradually, but total numbers are still high due to large base population.

4. Processes of Population Change

Three main processes: Births, Deaths, Migration.

A. Birth Rate & Death Rate:

• Birth Rate: Live births per 1000 persons/year. (Always higher in India).
• Death Rate: Deaths per 1000 persons/year. (Rapid decline is main cause of growth).
• Natural Increase = Birth Rate – Death Rate.

B. Migration:

• Movement across regions/territories.
• Internal: Within country (Does not change size, but changes distribution).
• International: Between countries.
• Push Factors (Rural): Poverty, unemployment.
• Pull Factors (Urban): Employment, better living conditions.

5. Age Composition

• Children (Below 15): Economically unproductive. Need food, clothing, education. (Dependent).
• Working Age (15-59): Economically productive & biologically reproductive. (Asset).
• Aged (Above 59): Retired. May work voluntarily but not available for employment. (Dependent).

6. Other Qualities

• Sex Ratio: Females per 1000 males. (Kerala has highest, Haryana lowest).
• Literacy Rate: Person aged 7+ who can read/write with understanding. (2011: 73%).
• Occupational Structure: Primary (Agri), Secondary (Industry), Tertiary (Services).

7. Adolescent Population

• Age Group: 10 to 19 years. (1/5th of total pop).
• Challenge: Nutrition requirements are high. Girls suffer from anaemia.

8. NPP 2000 (National Population Policy)

• Free & compulsory education up to 14 years.
• Reduce Infant Mortality Rate (< 30/1000).
• Universal immunization.
• Promote delayed marriage for girls.