Declining fertility rate highlighted
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 12 2025: The fertility rate in Manipur is declining, and the rate of women remaining single in their early thirties is higher than the National average, said Prof M Hemanta Meitei, Head of Department of Economics, Manipur University.

He said this speaking at the World Population Day 2025, observed by the Department of Economics, MU yesterday.

Organised under the theme "Empowering young people to create the families they want in a fair and hopeful world", the observance was attended by Professor E Bijoykumar Singh, former Dean of School of Social Sciences; Prof Mem-cha Loitongbam, Dean of School of Social Sciences, Manipur University; Dr Ningombam Roshini Kumar, Joint Director, Directorate of Census Operations.

Prof M Hemanta Meitei, in his speech, said that the fertility rate in Manipur has declined over the years at different pace for different sections of the society.

Moreover, the median age of marriage among Manipuri women is rising, meaning women are marrying late.

The rate of women remaining single in their early thirties is higher than the National average, Professor Hemanta said.

Professor E Bijoykumar Singh, former Dean of School of Social Sciences, too raised the similar concern and stated, "We must keep a vigil on the declining fertility rate while attempting to derive and achieve demographic dividend, particularly the second wave of the dividend".

It may be noted that the "second wave of demographic dividend" refers to the potential for economic growth that arises when an ageing population increases its savings and investments.

Ageing is a natural phenomenon in the process of declining fertility and increasing longevity.

An ageing population will require increased support including income security and greater access to health care, he said.

Aged population has to be taken care of not thinking of them as a burden.

Rather, they should be treated as a resource.

A billion population implies billion minds and opportunities amidst challenges, Professor Bijoykumar said.

He noted that in developing countries, the median age is below 20 years while in the developed countries, it has gone up to 42 years.

The Professor noted that the observation of World Population Day started on July 11, 1990 to commemorate the world population reaching the 5 billion mark on July 11, 1987 .

Dr N Roshini Kumar, Joint Director, Directorate of Census Operations, Manipur highlighted the importance of Census.

He said mobile applications will be used in conducting the census operations.

Prof Memcha Loitongbam, Dean of School of Social Sciences asserted that the focus should rather be placed on the dignity and quality of life than on the number.

Comment