Topic: population and associated issues
4. What are the causes of falling Total Fertility Rate (TFR)? Critically analyse India’s challenges as its fertility rate falls. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Indian Express
Why the question:
The data in NFHS 2019-21, the fifth in the survey series, shows the fertility rate at 1.6 per cent in urban areas and 2.1 in rural India.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the causes of falling TFR and the challenges it poses.
Directive word:
Critically analyze – When asked to analyse, you must examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them in a summary. When ‘critically’ is suffixed or prefixed to a directive, one needs to look at the good and bad of the topic and give a balanced judgment on the topic.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by giving context from the NFHS-5 data.
Body:
First, write about the factors that have contributed to declining TFR are: Higher education, increased mobility, late marriage, financial independence among women and overall prosperity.
Next, possible challenges that the falling TFR may lead to.
Conclusion:
Conclude by suggesting solutions to the challenges.
