Topic: Population : Merits and demerits 

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“Population is not a burden if it is educated, skilled, and well-managed; it becomes the greatest strength of a nation.”

Introduction 

• Population refers to the total number of people living in a particular region. In recent decades, population growth has become one of the most discussed global issues. 
• With advancements in healthcare, better living standards, and declining death rates, the world population has increased rapidly. 
• Today, India has emerged as one of the most populated countries in the world, with more than 1.4 billion people.
•  ✅India has a unique demographic advantage as nearly 65% of its population is below the age of 35, which is often called the demographic dividend.
• Population in India is growing due to factors such as improved medical facilities, declining infant mortality rate, and increased life expectancy. 
• However, awareness regarding family planning and resource management still varies across different regions, which contributes to uneven population growth.

Talking about the merits :

• population can be a major strength for national development. Firstly, India’s large population provides a huge workforce, which supports industries, agriculture, defence forces, and the service sector. 
• This young and energetic workforce plays a crucial role in economic growth and innovation.
• Secondly, a large population creates a vast domestic market.
•  High demand for goods and services encourages business expansion, foreign investment, and entrepreneurship. This economic activity helps India move towards becoming a global economic power.
• Thirdly, India’s population brings cultural diversity, talent, and human resources. 
• Indian professionals are contributing globally in fields such as technology, medicine, and research, which strengthens India’s international reputation and influence.

•  Overpopulation puts excessive pressure on natural resources like water, food, and land. 
• It leads to environmental degradation, pollution, and depletion of resources.
• Secondly, rapid population growth results in unemployment and poverty. 
• When job opportunities fail to match population growth, it leads to economic imbalance and social inequality.
• Thirdly, excessive population creates pressure on infrastructure such as healthcare, education, transportation, and housing. 
• Overcrowding reduces the quality of services and affects overall development.

• India must focus on spreading awareness about family planning, improving education, especially female literacy, and promoting skill development programs.
• Strengthening healthcare facilities and generating employment opportunities are also essential steps.
• Sustainable development policies and proper resource management can help convert population into productive human capital.
  

In conclusion📝

• population is both an opportunity and a challenge. If managed with proper planning, education, and employment generation, India’s population can become its greatest strength in achieving global leadership. But if neglected, it can become a serious obstacle to sustainable development.