Bhubaneswar, July 11: As the world marks ‘World Population Day’ on July 11, the conversation around population is no longer just about numbers. For many young couples in Odisha, especially in cities like Bhubaneswar, Cuttack and Berhampur, the focus has shifted from having larger families to ensuring a better quality of life for fewer children.

Rising education expenses, increasing housing costs, healthcare needs and changing career aspirations are reshaping family planning decisions. Many young parents say they prefer to have one or two children so they can provide better education, financial security and individual attention rather than struggle to meet the needs of a larger family.

"We want to give our child the best opportunities possible. School fees, extracurricular activities, healthcare and everyday expenses have increased significantly. We feel one child is the right decision for us," says a young working couple Dipak and Kajal Sahoo from Bhubaneswar.

"Both of us work full-time, and balancing our careers with parenting is already challenging. We believe having one child allows us to spend more quality time together and invest in our child's education, health and overall development without compromising our professional responsibilities”, says Ruchismita from Bhubaneswar.

"Life has become much more expensive than it was for our parents. From rent and home loans to school fees and medical expenses, everything requires careful financial planning. We would rather have a smaller family and ensure our child gets the best opportunities than struggle to meet the needs of a larger family.", say a working couple from Berhampur.

Dual-income households have also become more common, with both partners pursuing careers. Many couples are delaying parenthood until they achieve financial stability, purchase a home or establish themselves professionally. The result is not only later marriages and delayed childbirth but also a preference for smaller families.

Experts say improved access to education, greater awareness about reproductive health, women's participation in the workforce and better availability of family planning services have contributed to this shift. Unlike previous generations, today's couples are making informed decisions based on their financial capacity, lifestyle goals and long-term aspirations for their children.

The changing demographic trend is visible across urban Odisha. While older generations often viewed larger families as a source of support and security, younger couples increasingly associate smaller families with better living standards, improved work-life balance and enhanced opportunities for their children.

However, demographers note that a declining fertility rate also presents new challenges. As family sizes shrink, governments will need to prepare for an ageing population, changing workforce dynamics and increasing demand for elderly care in the coming decades.

World Population Day serves as a reminder that sustainable development is not only about managing population growth but also about ensuring that every child has access to quality education, healthcare and equal opportunities. For many young couples in Odisha, choosing a smaller family is less about limiting numbers and more about building a secure and fulfilling future.