The population of India is expected to reach 152.2 crore by 2036, with a slightly improved female percentage of 48.8 per cent as compared to 48.5 per cent in 2011, as per the publication titled ‘Women and Men in India 2023’ released by the Union Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation on Monday.

The proportion of individuals under 15 years is projected to decrease from 2011 to 2036, likely due to declining fertility, it said.

According to the report issued by the Ministry, conversely, the proportion of the population aged 60 years and above is anticipated to substantially increase during this period. “India’s population in 2036 is expected to be more feminine compared to the 2011 population, as reflected in the sex ratio which is projected to increase from 943 in 2011 to 952 by 2036, highlighting a positive trend in gender equality,” it said.

The Ministry, while referring to the Women and Men in India 2023, said, “It is evident that from 2016 to 2020, Age Specific Fertility Rate (ASFR) in the age group of 20-24 and 25-29 has reduced from 135.4 and 166.0 to 113.6 and 139.6 respectively. The ASFR for the age 35-39 for the above period has increased from 32.7 to 35.6 which shows that after settling in life, women are thinking of expansion of family.”

“Adolescent Fertility Rate was 33.9 for illiterate population whereas 11.0 for the literate in 2020. This rate is considerably lower for even those who are literate but without any formal education (20.0) as compared to illiterate women reemphasizing the importance of imparting education to women,” it said.

Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) has been decreasing over the years for both male and females. Female IMR had always been higher than that of male but in 2020, both were equal at the level of 28 infants per 1000 live births. The under-5 Mortality Rate data shows that it has decreased from 43 in 2015 to 32 in 2020. So is the case for both boys and girls and the gap between boys and girls has also reduced, it said.

The Ministry further said, “Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has recognized a total of 1,17,254 start-ups since its inception in January 2016 up to December 2023.”

“Among these, 55,816 start-ups are led by women, constituting 47.6 per cent of the total recognized start-ups. This significant representation underscores the growing influence and contribution of women entrepreneurs in India’s start-up ecosystem,” it said.

The report is a crucial resource for understanding the demographic changes and their implications for both women and men in India. It serves as a vital tool for advocacy and action to promote gender equity and ensure that development efforts are inclusive and sustainable, it added.