India's Progress on Fertility Rates: Majority of States Achieve Target, Bihar and UP Still Struggle - Thirty-one out of India's 36 states and Union Territories have successfully reached the replacement level fertility rate of 2.1, according to The Times of India. However, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Meghalaya, and Manipur still have higher fertility rates than desired.

On World Population Day, Health Minister J.P. Nadda and Minister of State for Health Anupriya Patel highlighted the need for targeted interventions to lower the Total Fertility Rate (TFR) in these states. Nadda emphasized that smaller families are crucial for achieving a "Viksit Bharat" (developed India) and maintaining family health.

Patel pointed out that over 65% of India's population is within the reproductive age group, underscoring the importance of providing family planning choices to prevent unplanned family growth. The family planning program, previously a two-phase initiative, has expanded to three phases: preparatory phase, community participation, and service delivery. He said,  "While earlier it used to be a two-phased program, it has now been expanded to three phases: preparatory phase, community participation, and service delivery."

The long-term efforts of India's family planning program have yielded promising results, with 31 out of 36 states and Union Territories achieving the replacement level of TFR. Patel called on Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Meghalaya, and Manipur to take significant actions to lower their TFR.

"It is also encouraging to note that acceptance of modern contraceptives in the country has increased to over 56%," Patel added.

India's TFR has seen a substantial decline, from 6.18 in 1950 to 4.6 in 1980. By 2021, it had further reduced to 1.91, falling below the replacement level required to maintain a stable population size. A recent study predicts that by 2050, India's TFR may drop to 1.29.

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