Question

State whether the following statements are true or false.

1. Density of population is low in India.

2. Death rate is declining faster than birth rate.

3. Family planning programme is successful in India.

4. Birth rate in India is increasing.

5. Improvement in the status of women can check population growth.

Answer 1

1. This statement is absolutely false.
Explanation-
The density of population refers to the number of people living per square kilometer. In India; this rate is at a very high with 382 people per square kilometer.

2. This statement is true.
Explanation-
In India, the death rate is declining very rapidly in contrast to the birth rate which is comparatively falling at a slower rate. This can be seen from the fact that in 1891-1900, the birth rate and death rate were 45.8 and 44.5 respectively, which fell down to 45.2 and 31.2 in 1931-1940. Also, in 2008-2009, this ratio fell down to 22.8 (birth rate) and 7.4 (death rate). Thus, indicating that the fall in death rate is higher than the fall in birth rate.

3. No, the given statement is false.
Explanation-
Although, the family planning program initiated by the government of India in 1952, was given high priority, but it was not successful in India due to some major reasons. These reasons mainly included, lack of awareness about family planning and programs related to it, traditional and religious beliefs of the people, inconsistent implementation of the government policies and such more.

4. The given statement is false.
Explanation-
The birth rate in India is infact decreasing. This can be derived from the fact that the birth rate was 45.8 during the period 1891-1990 which later declined to 40.0 in 1951-1960 and 20.97 in 2011. Thus, indicating a falling birth rate.

5. The given statement is true.
Explanation-
Improvement in the status of women can help in checking the population growth. This is because a women with knowledge and a better status can analyse and take their own decisions carefully. Better education also helps them to plan the size of the family, thereby, helping in keeping a check on the population growth.