SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir has achieved a Total Fertility Rate (TFR) of 1.4, according to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5, 2019–21). This places it well below the replacement fertility level of 2.1, the average number of children per woman needed to maintain a stable population size. The data, presented in the Lok Sabha in response to an unstarred question, highlights the broader trend of declining fertility rates across India.
The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare confirmed that India’s overall TFR has dropped to 2.0, with most states and Union Territories achieving below-replacement fertility levels. Among Union Territories, Ladakh and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands recorded the lowest TFR at 1.3, alongside Goa, while Sikkim led the states with a TFR of 1.1. In contrast, states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh recorded higher TFRs of 3.0 and 2.4, respectively, indicating significant regional variations in fertility trends.
Government initiatives to maintain replacement fertility levels include expanded contraceptive options, awareness campaigns about healthy timing and spacing of pregnancies, and targeted interventions under the Mission Parivar Vikas programme. This programme focuses on high-fertility states and regions to improve access to family planning services. Measures like post-pregnancy contraception, compensation schemes for sterilisation, and e-enabled family planning logistics systems are part of the broader strategy to address fertility issues.
Despite the declining fertility rates, concerns persist about regional disparities and potential challenges associated with population decline in low-TFR areas. The government remains committed to supporting family planning services and addressing fertility-related issues in high-focus states to achieve sustainable population growth.
