Demographic change is happening rapidly in Maharashtra. The percentage of the population below 15 years of age in the state was 26.7% in 2011, which will decrease to 19.6% by 2026. The main reason for this is the falling fertility rate. At the same time, the number of working age group and elderly is increasing. This information has been given in the Maharashtra Economic Survey.
Maharashtra’s population will reach 12.8 crores by 2025
Mumbai: Maharashtra’s population is estimated to reach 12.8 crores by March 2025. According to the 2011 census, this number was 11.2 crores. Maharashtra will remain India’s second most populous state after Uttar Pradesh.
Increase in working and elderly population
The population structure in the state is changing. The population below 15 years of age was 26.7% in 2011, which is likely to be 19.6% by 2026. This decline is mainly due to the decrease in the fertility rate. At the same time, the number of working age group and elderly is increasing.
The number of elderly was 10% in 2011, which is likely to increase to 13.1% by 2026. Improvement in life expectancy is the main reason for this. During this period, the number of elderly women is expected to be more than men.
The percentage of the working age group (15-59 years) was 63.3% in 2011, which may increase to 67.3% by 2026. The working age group was 63.3% in 2011, which supported 36.7% dependent population (26.7% children and 10% elderly).
Big increase in working age group by 2036
The working age group is expected to increase to 66.2% by 2036, while the proportion of the dependent population is projected to decline to 33.8%. This will include 16.7% children and 17.1% elderly. This change will increase the dependency of the working population, which will have an impact on social and economic policies.
Maharashtra ranks second in India by population and third by area. It is one of the most urbanized states in the country. The urban population here is growing rapidly. In 2011, the population of rural Maharashtra was around 6.2 crores, while in urban areas it was 5.1 crores.
Accelerating urbanisation by 2025
By 2025, the gap between the rural and urban populations in Maharashtra is expected to reduce. The rural population may reach 6.5 crores, while the urban population may grow to 6.3 crores. This trend indicates a change in lifestyle, economic opportunities, and demand for infrastructure.
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Need for policies according to changing demographic patterns
There is a need to revise policies keeping in mind the changing population structure in Maharashtra. Given the increasing elderly population and declining child population ratio, more attention will have to be paid to health services and social security.
At the same time, an increase in the working age group can provide economic opportunities, but for this, it will be necessary to focus on employment and skill development. Given the increasing trend of urbanization, it will be necessary to invest in infrastructure, housing, and services. These demographic changes will shape the social and economic landscape of Maharashtra in the coming years.
