Population - Class IX

***Q. Why the rate of population growth in India has declined since 1981? Explain any three reasons.

Ans: 

Fall in Birth Rate

• After 1981, the birth rate started reducing because of increasing awareness, family planning programmes, and better availability of contraceptives.
• Fewer births → slower population growth.

Better Education and Delayed Marriages

• Improvement in female literacy and girls marrying later reduced the number of children per family.
• Educated families prefer smaller families, which directly reduces population growth.

Improved Health and Declining Death Rate Stabilised

• Earlier, death rates fell sharply, widening the gap between birth and death rates.
• After 1981, death rates became relatively stable and low, and birth rates also declined → the gap reduced.
• Smaller gap = slower population growth

Q. Explain about the salient features of national population policy – 2000.

Ans:  Significant features of Population Policy, 2000 are:

• Free and compulsory education for upto 14 years old children.
• Reducing the rate of infant mortality rate below 30.
• Achieving universal immunization of children against all vaccine preventable diseases.
• Promoting delayed marriage or girls and strengthening legal measures to prevent child marriage.
• Making family welfare and people centered programme.
• Protection of adolescent girls from unwanted pregnancies.
• Protection of adolescents from Sexual Transmitted Diseases (STD) and educate them about the risks of unprotected sex.
• Making contraceptive services accessible and affordable.
• Providing food supplement and nutritional services for the adolescents.

Q. Explain the three major components of population growth.

Answer:

• Birth Rate: Number of live births per 1000 people; high birth rate has been the main cause of India’s population increase.
• Death Rate: Number of deaths per 1000 people; decline due to better healthcare has increased population.
• Migration: Movement of people within or across countries; affects distribution and composition even if total population remains same.

Q. How does physical geography influence population density in India? Explain with examples.

Answer:

• High Density in Northern Plains: Fertile soil, flat land, reliable water → dense population (UP, Bihar, West Bengal).
• Moderate Density in Peninsular Plateau: Hard rocks, uneven relief, limited irrigation → medium density (MP, Karnataka).
• Low Density in Mountains & Deserts: Rugged terrain, cold climate, lack of resources → sparse population (Arunachal, J&K, Rajasthan).

Q. Describe the trend of population growth in India from 1951 to 2011.

Ans:

• Rapid Increase: Population rose from 361 million (1951) to 1210 million (2011).
• 1951–1981: Growth rate increased due to high birth rate and sharp fall in death rate.
• 1981 onwards: Growth rate declined due to family planning, education, awareness, but absolute population still increased because base population is huge.

Q. Why are adolescents considered an important human resource?

Ans:

• Large Share: Adolescents (10–19 years) form 20% of India’s population → major future workforce.
• High Potential: They can acquire skills, education, and contribute to development.
• Need Support: Many face anaemia and poor nutrition, especially girls; proper health and education can strengthen human resource.

Q. Distinguish between population growth and population change with suitable examples.

Ans:

• Population Growth: Increase in number of people over time (e.g., 2001 to 2011 increase).
• Population Change: Change due to births, deaths, and migration affecting size and composition.
• Example: Migration from rural to urban areas increases urban population and changes age–sex structure.

Q. Analyse the pattern of population distribution and density in India using Census 2011 data.

Ans:

• Northern Plains: Very high density due to fertile alluvial soil, water availability, and agricultural productivity.
• Peninsular Plateau: Moderate density because terrain is rocky, soil is less fertile, and irrigation is limited.
• Himalayan Region: Very low density due to steep slopes, cold climate, and limited economic activities.
• Desert Areas: Sparse population in western Rajasthan due to arid climate and water scarcity.
• Urbanised States: Kerala and Delhi have high density due to better health, education, transport, and job opportunities.

Q. Explain the major processes of population change with special reference to India.

Answer:

• Birth Rate: Traditionally high in India; main contributor to population increase.
• Death Rate: Declined significantly because of medical improvement, sanitation, and better nutrition.
• Natural Increase: Difference between birth rate and death rate; in India, this gap has been large.
• Internal Migration: Rural-to-urban migration increased due to poverty (push) and jobs (pull).
• Effects: Urban population increased from 17.29% (1951) to 31.80% (2011); changes age–sex composition and population distribution.

Q. “India has a high population but a declining growth rate.” Explain using data from 1951–2011.

Ans:

• High Population: Increased from 361 million (1951) to 1210 million (2011).
• Growth Rate Rise: Till 1981, growth rate increased due to low death rate and high birth rate.
• Growth Rate Decline: After 1981, growth rate fell because of family planning, education, and awareness.
• Still Large Increase: In 2011, growth rate fell to 1.64%, but India still added 181 million people.
• Reason: Huge base population causes large absolute increase even with low growth rate.

Q. Discuss the significance of the National Population Policy (NPP) 2000. How does it aim to improve quality of life?

Ans:

• Free Education: Ensures compulsory schooling up to 14 years → reduces early marriage and improves awareness.
• Reduce Infant Mortality: Target IMR below 30 per 1000 live births by improving health services.
• Universal Immunisation: Protects children from preventable diseases.
• Delayed Marriage: Promotes marriage after 18 for girls → healthier mothers and children.
• Family Welfare: Encourages voluntary and safe family planning, better maternal care, and improved quality of life.

Q. Describe the major causes and consequences of migration in India.

Ans:
Causes:

• Push Factors: Rural poverty, unemployment, poor facilities, natural disasters.
• Pull Factors: Better jobs, education, medical facilities, higher wages in towns and cities.

Consequences:

• Urbanisation: Rapid increase in city population → overcrowding and slums.
• Pressure on Resources: Housing, transport, water, and sanitation become overburdened.
• Change in Composition: Cities get more working-age males; rural areas lose young population.
• Economic Effects: Migration leads to remittances, better skills, and improved living standards for families.