India’s demographic profile is undergoing significant changes, according to the Sample Registration Survey (SRS) 2023 released by the Office of the Registrar General. The report highlights a decline in birth rates, fertility, and death rates, alongside an ageing population and gradual improvements in health indicators.
Key Findings
- Crude Birth Rate (CBR): Declined from 19.1 (2022) to 18.4 per 1,000 people in 2023.
- Total Fertility Rate (TFR): Dropped to 1.9, below the replacement level of 2.1.
- Regional Variation: Northern States like Bihar (2.8) and Uttar Pradesh (2.6) remain above replacement, while Delhi (1.2), Tamil Nadu (1.3), and West Bengal (1.3) report the lowest fertility rates.
- Crude Death Rate (CDR): Fell to 6.4 from 6.8 in 2022.
- Infant Mortality Rate (IMR): Improved to 25 per 1,000 live births, down seven points in five years.
- Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB): Rose to 917 girls per 1,000 boys, though still below parity.
Ageing Population
The elderly share (60+ years) rose to 9.7% in 2023, with Kerala leading at 15%. States like Assam, Delhi, and Jharkhand reported the lowest elderly proportions (~7.6–7.7%). This shift highlights growing needs in healthcare and social support.
Data Gaps
While the SRS 2023 report is available, the Civil Registration System (CRS) and Medical Certification of Cause of Death (MCCD) datasets for 2023 are yet to be published, limiting comprehensive demographic monitoring.
