India’s working-age population has been steadily increasing since 1971, and according to a report by SBI Research, it is expected to hit 64.4% in the upcoming Census. By 2031, this figure will rise even further, reaching 65.2%. The working-age group refers to people between the ages of 15 and 59, who comprise a significant portion of the country’s labor force.

The report highlights that this population increased from 55.4% in 1991 to 56.9% in 2001 and then to 60.7% in 2021. However, the average annual population growth rate has been slowing down over time despite this growth. In 1971, the annual growth rate was 2.20%, but it is expected to drop to 1.00% by 2024. As a result, India’s total population is predicted to be between 1.38 to 1.42 billion in 2024.

The SBI report also breaks down population growth by region, revealing that the northern and eastern states, such as Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, will be the main drivers of population growth in the coming years. These regions are predicted to account for 52% of the country’s population. In contrast, the southern states, including Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, will see a decline in their share of population growth.

Working-Age Population
Image Source: LinkedIn

One of the main reasons why the upcoming Census is so important is that it provides critical socio-economic and demographic data that policymakers rely on for decision-making and governance. India’s last Census was conducted in 2011, and the next one was initially scheduled for 2021. However, the COVID-19 pandemic led to delays in conducting the survey. The Census helps the government track population trends, assess the distribution of resources, and plan for future needs.

Now, with the work reportedly underway, there is hope that the Census will soon take place. This data is important for understanding the country’s changing demographics, particularly in light of the ongoing shift in the working-age population, which will have significant implications for India’s economy and workforce in the years ahead.

You might also be interested in - Assam’s rhino population rises five-times, reaching 3,000 from 600 since 2016