Bhubaneswar, Jun 1: Odisha is undergoing a major demographic shift as fertility rates continue to decline while the elderly population grows steadily, raising concerns about the state's future workforce and economic sustainability.
According to the latest NFHS-6 and Sample Registration System (SRS) reports, Odisha’s Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has fallen to between 1.6 and 1.7, well below the replacement level of 2.1 required to maintain a stable population. Urban areas have recorded an even lower fertility rate of 1.2.
The share of children below 15 years has declined from 24.3% to 22.6%, while the proportion of people aged above 60 has risen from 11.8% to 12.9% in recent years. By 2026, Odisha is expected to have nearly 74 lakh senior citizens, while the number of children is projected to decline further.
Experts warn that a shrinking young population could lead to labour shortages in agriculture, industry, construction, and other sectors, while increasing pressure on healthcare, pensions, and welfare schemes for the elderly.
The decline in fertility is attributed to delayed marriages, rising living and education costs, migration, greater awareness of family planning, and a preference for smaller families. Demographers caution that if the trend continues, Odisha could face rapid population ageing in the coming decades, posing significant economic and social challenges.
