UPSC Prelims 2011 · Question 54 of 100
UPSC Prelims 2011 question on Demographic Dividend
- ExamUPSC CSE
- Year2011
- PaperGeneral Studies Paper I
- SubjectGeography
- TopicIndian Geography
- DifficultyEasy
- TypeDirect
India is regarded as a country with “Demographic Dividend”. This is due to
Show answer
Answer: B. Its high population in the group of 15-64 years
Analysis
Demographic dividend arises from a large working-age population.Correct Answer: Its high population in the age group of 15–64 years
India is considered to have a demographic dividend because a large share of its population belongs to the working-age group.
Demographic dividend means the economic advantage a country gets when its working-age population is larger than its dependent population.
The working-age group is generally considered to be 15–64 years. A larger population in this group means more potential workers, higher production, more savings and greater economic growth.
Statement by statement
A high population below 15 years increases the child dependency burden.
A high population above 65 years increases old-age dependency and pressure on healthcare and pensions.
A high total population alone does not create demographic dividend. The age structure matters.
Extra UPSC Info
Demographic dividend depends on education, skill development, health and job creation.
If jobs are not created, demographic dividend can become a demographic burden.
India’s advantage is its relatively young population compared to many developed countries.
Female labour force participation is important for fully using the demographic dividend.
Do not confuse demographic dividend with demographic divide.
1921 is called the Year of Great Divide in India’s population history.
Final Takeaway
Demographic dividend arises when a country has a high share of people in the 15–64 working-age group, not merely because it has a large total population.