Population growth has both positive and negative consequences. Negative consequences are commonly mentioned in literature. Among the positive consequences, several of the developing countries are having the advantage of the opening of a demographic window. This concept implies the bulging of population in working ages. The demographic window occurs because of the following two reasons:
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Constant decrease in fertility level leading to reduction in proportion of population at younger ages
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Lack of significant improvement in life expectancy at older ages leading to slower rise in proportion of population at older ages
BOX 5.2 : DEMOGRAPHIC WINDOW
Demographic window may be an advantage or a disadvantage. If the increasing population in working ages may be provided skills, suitable employment and resources, they can contribute to society and economy considerably. If they cannot be provided work and resources, the society may face alienation, resistance and anomy. |
It is estimated that this advantage of demographic window will remain for about 20 years. After that the low fertility cohort will start entering the working ages and there may also be an improvement in life expectancy at older ages. Then the proportion of population in working ages may decline.
The Planning Commission in India stipulates that if the youths can be provided suitable skills then they will fill the labour force shortage facing the industrially advanced, aging economies of the world and this will help both the labour force and the national economy. |
