Inside India’s explosive population growth | 101 East Documentary

Summary

India's population surge, now the world's largest, is met with rising unemployment, particularly in Bihar where the birth rate is highest. The script explores the struggle of young people like Ravish Kumar, seeking government jobs amidst intense competition, and the government's efforts to control population growth through family planning programs. It highlights the socio-economic implications of rapid population increase and the challenges faced by individuals and authorities alike.

Takeaways

• 🌍 India is now the world's most populous country with over 1.4 billion people.
• 📈 The state of Bihar has the highest birth rate in India, with women typically having three children.
• 💊 Authorities in Bihar are facing challenges in encouraging couples to use contraceptives.
• 🏙️ Bihar's population is projected to significantly contribute to India's population growth in the next decade.
• 🎓 A large number of students in Bihar aspire for government jobs, leading to intense competition.
• 🚂 Ravish Kumar, a 25-year-old, is an example of the struggle to secure a government job as a train driver.
• 🏫 The coaching industry in Patna is booming, fueled by the desire for government jobs, but job attainment remains difficult.
• 🔢 In 2022, over 10 million Indians applied for just 35,000 Railway jobs, highlighting the intense competition for government positions.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 A family in Kishanganj with 10 daughters and one son exemplifies the large family sizes in some parts of Bihar.
• 🚺 Efforts by healthcare workers like Rani Devi are slowly increasing contraceptive use in Bihar.
• 👶 Despite a national fertility rate average of two, Kishanganj's estimated rate is nearly five, indicating a need for focused family planning efforts.

Q & A

Why has India become the world's most populous country?

India has surpassed other countries in population due to its large population base of over 1.4 billion people and a high birth rate, especially in states like Bihar.

What is the situation with unemployment in India, particularly for the youth?

Unemployment in India is rising, pushing young people to the brink, as the competition for jobs, especially government jobs, is becoming harder than ever with a growing pool of applicants.

What is the birth rate like in Bihar, and how does it compare to the rest of India?

Bihar has the highest birth rate in India, with women typically having three children, contributing significantly to the state's and country's population growth.

Why are authorities struggling to persuade couples to use contraceptives in Bihar?

Authorities face challenges due to cultural norms, lack of awareness, and past negative experiences with forced sterilization campaigns, which have made people hesitant to adopt contraceptive methods.

How does the population growth in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh impact India's overall population increase?

Over the next decade, one third of India's population increase will be driven by the population growth in Bihar and neighboring Uttar Pradesh alone.

What is the situation with job seekers in Bihar's capital, Patna?

In Patna, there is a high concentration of students who come from various places to study and take exams for government jobs. However, the competition is fierce, and many struggle to secure positions.

What is the significance of a government job in the eyes of the people in Bihar?

A government job is highly coveted as it provides a lifelong contract, stability, and the potential to lift families out of poverty.

How has the coaching industry in Patna responded to the aspirations of job seekers?

The coaching industry in Patna has grown into a multi-million dollar business, offering various programs to help students prepare for competitive exams and improve their chances of securing government jobs.

What are the challenges faced by healthcare workers like Rani Devi in promoting family planning in Bihar?

Healthcare workers face challenges in educating people about the importance of family planning and ensuring the correct use of contraceptives, especially in a region where large families are common.

What measures has the government taken to address the high birth rate in Bihar?

The government has launched an ambitious Family Planning program, employing healthcare workers like Rani Devi to educate people about contraception and promote its use.

What is the controversy surrounding the new law proposed by the Minister for Rural Development?

The proposed law would penalize those who have more than two children, which has sparked controversy as it is seen as targeting certain communities and may not be an effective solution to population control.