South Indian State Grapples with Alarming Low Birth Rates Similar to South Korea, Japan

Kerala (The Uttam Hindu): Kerala, often dubbed ‘India’s Europe’ for its high health, education and economic standards, is now grappling with a significant demographic challenge. The state, with a population of 3.6 crores in 2024, has seen only a marginal increase of 70 lakhs over the past 35 years. Alarmingly, annual births dropped below 400,000 for the first time in 2023 with just 393,231 recorded—down from over 500,000 a decade ago. This rapid decline mirrors trends in countries like Japan and South Korea raising concerns about the future stability of Kerala’s population.

Kerala achieved the replacement-level fertility rate of 2.1 in 1987–88, but this figure has steadily declined since falling to 1.5 in 2020 and a concerning 1.35 in 2023. With most couples opting for one child or none at all, population scientists warn that the state is on the verge of entering a phase of population decline. Despite near-universal hospital births and an infant mortality rate of just six per thousand—on par with European nations—the state’s low fertility rate could lead to severe demographic and economic consequences.

Experts emphasize the need for urgent interventions to address the falling birth rate. Kerala’s exceptional healthcare and education systems have contributed to lower fertility rates, but policies encouraging larger families and addressing socio-economic factors influencing family planning are now critical. If current trends persist, Kerala may face challenges similar to those seen in rapidly aging populations across East Asia and Europe.