The rapid growth of the world’s population over the past one hundred years results from a difference between the rate of birth and the rate of death. The human population will increase by 1 billion people in the next decade. The growth in human population around the world affects all people through its impact on the economy and environment. The current rate of population growth is now a significant burden to human well-being. The population problem is actually a development problem. India has 2.4% of the world's area and 15 per cent of the world's population.
1 Indian in 5 is a severe destitute. A severe destitute is defined as one who has less than 70 paise consumption expenditure in rural areas; 93 paise a day in urban areas. The per capita annual income of the Indian people in 1974-75 was Rs. 341.4, less than a rupee a day. Understanding the factors which affect population growth patterns can help us to plan for the future.
