The Sample Registration System (SRS) Report 2021 highlights a concerning trend in Bihar: the highest Total Fertility Rate (TFR) in India at 3.0, while the national average stands at 2.0. This gap draws attention to the interplay of poverty, cultural norms, education, and economic development in shaping fertility patterns.
Understanding Total Fertility Rate (TFR)
Total Fertility Rate (TFR) refers to the average number of children a woman is expected to bear during her reproductive years. It serves as a key demographic indicator for assessing population growth or decline. A TFR of 2.1 is considered the replacement level fertility, ensuring a stable population in the absence of migration.
TFR in Bihar: An Outlier in Fertility Trends
Bihar’s TFR has remained stagnant at around 3.0 for the past 6–7 years, making it the slowest in fertility transition across Indian states. According to projections, Bihar will likely achieve replacement-level fertility only by 2039, significantly lagging behind other regions.
The Role of Poverty in High Fertility
While poverty in Bihar has declined as per NITI Aayog’s Multidimensional Poverty Index, the TFR remains high.
Why Poor Families Opt for More Children
- Economic insecurity leads families to have more children for labour support and old-age security.
- However, poverty alone does not fully explain Bihar’s high fertility.
Cultural and Social Factors Driving Fertility
Cultural norms heavily influence family size preferences in Bihar:
- Only 49.6% of women in Bihar believe two children are ideal, compared to 67% nationally.
- There is a strong son preference, especially in rural and landowning communities.
- Families often try for at least two sons, leading to larger family sizes due to uncertainty in sex outcomes.
Urban-Rural Divide in Fertility in Bihar
Despite better access to services, even urban areas in Bihar report high fertility:
- Rural TFR: 3.1
- Urban TFR: 2.3
(Both above the national average)
This indicates a conscious decision to have more children even in relatively developed urban zones.
Impact of Female Education and Autonomy
Female empowerment is critical in lowering fertility:
- Female literacy rate in Bihar was only 53% as per Census 2011.
- Educated women tend to prefer smaller families, but limited autonomy restricts their choices.
- In many households, mothers-in-law control access to healthcare workers like ASHA, limiting exposure to family planning services.
Economic and Institutional Barriers
Bihar faces multiple structural challenges:
- It is one of the least industrialized states in India.
- High unemployment, low urbanization, and weak primary education affect long-term planning.
- Lack of job security makes families view more children as a form of economic insurance.
Political Implications of High Fertility
Bihar’s growing population has political consequences:
- During future delimitation exercises, states like Bihar, UP, and MP may receive larger parliamentary constituencies due to population size.
- This raises concerns in southern states with lower TFRs like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, fearing reduced representation despite better demographic performance.
TFR – National and Regional Comparisons (NFHS-5, 2019–21)
- India’s TFR: 2.0 (Below replacement level)
- Kerala: 1.8
- Tamil Nadu: 1.6
- Karnataka: 1.7
- Andhra Pradesh: 1.7
- Bihar: 3.0 (Highest in India)
These figures reflect the sharp contrast between northern and southern states in managing fertility and population growth.
Conclusion: A Multi-Dimensional Challenge
Bihar’s high fertility rate is a result of interconnected socio-economic, cultural, and institutional factors. Tackling this issue requires a multi-pronged strategy:
- Improve female literacy and education
- Empower women in reproductive decisions
- Enhance access to family planning services
- Create job opportunities and industrial growth
- Promote social change through public awareness and incentives
Only by addressing these root causes can Bihar move towards a more sustainable demographic future and contribute equitably to India’s development.
