Online published on 22 June, 2015.
The economics of demography provide a better understanding for policymakers to set priorities for future planning. Demographic transition data help create a policy environment that takes advantage of the demographic potential of a country. Changes in family structure, the status of women and children and the way people work, all provide a powerful narrative in which policies may be framed. In this light, the present paper describes India's demographic transition process since 1950, its importance and nature. An ageing population, the disintegration of informal social security (the joint family), a high illiteracy rate (especially amongst elder female citizens), a high proportion of workers in the unorganised sector and urbanisation, all make India one of the most suitable countries to be addressed by socioeconomic policies and programmes.
