From Baby Boom to Baby Bust: Why India’s Gen Z is Swiping Left on Parenthood 🍼

General
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Gen Z of India is having fewer babies and starting families later than past generations. Statistics show that only 10% of Gen Z members have children by age 23, compared to nearly 25% of Millennials at the same age. The current birth rate of India is 1.9 (1.9 children per woman), which is below the replacement rate of 2.1(2.1 children per woman).

Why is the fertility rate dropping in India?

  • Rise of female education and participation in the workforce.
  • Rising cost of daily expenses and child education.
  • Reduction of infant and child mortality and awareness about family planning.

What will be the impact of low birth rate on India?

  • Rising Elderly Population; increase in the pension cost and geriatric healthcare cost.
  • Decreasing the young population will lead to workforce reduction in the future.
  • The birth rate difference between the states will change the internal migration patterns, political representation, resource and labour dynamics.

What is the solution to low birth rates?

  • Low-cost childcare (free daycares and crèches near the workplace).
  • Flexible work (work from home, flexible job schedule and duration) and paid parental leave ( maternity and paternity leave).
  • Free healthcare systems and fertility care.
  • Bonuses and incentives.

Which states have the highest and lowest birth rates in India?

Bihar have the highest fertility rate in the country at 2.9, followed by 2.6 in Uttar Pradesh.

On the other hand, India’s capital, New Delhi, registered the lowest fertility rate of 1.2 births per woman, followed by southern states such as Tamil Nadu and Kerala at a rate of 1.3.

The government should implement new policies at the state level to balance the birth rate across all states of India. They should focus more on eldercare, healthcare and education systems. Inflation should also be controlled to improve the lifestyle of people. Policies related to work culture in the government as well as private organizations should be followed strictly to maintain a healthy and balanced work environment. Only a stable and happy society can give a healthy and active future generation to this country.

Do you think birth rate is important for the economy of India?

MBH/PS

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Gen Z is prioritizing financial stability, mental wellness, and personal aspirations over traditional societal milestones. When raising a child involves immense financial, emotional, and career trade-offs without robust social safety nets or childcare support systems, ‘swiping left’ on early parenthood becomes a rational response. Addressing this shift requires looking at family-friendly policies, affordable healthcare, and workplace flexibility rather than just relying on traditional expectations.

1 Like
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Exactly.

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Yes, I think birth rate is important for India’s economy. A very low birth rate can lead to a smaller future workforce, a growing elderly population, and increased healthcare and pension costs.

1 Like
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Yes, absolutely. A balanced society is always preferable. But it’s a phase that every economy passes through once, so the government should implement the policies according to the situation.