Archive · 3 Aug 2025
Shamika Ravi Warns on India's Workforce and Fertility Decline
India's population is changing.
A government advisor, Shamika Ravi, says people in cities aren't having as many babies.
This means there won't be as many young workers in the future.
India's fertility rate is now below what's needed to replace the population.
Ravi explains that because women work more, couples have fewer children if gender roles don't change at home.
She also warns that relying on workers from some states won't last.
She believes India's growth depends on people moving within the country and on talented engineers, who may leave for better prospects abroad.
Shamika Ravi warns of India's declining fertility rates and an aging population.
Urban India has had below-replacement fertility rates for 25 years.
India's total fertility rate has fallen below replacement level.
Ravi highlights the importance of internal migration and STEM talent.
She predicts few states will have surplus labor in 25 years.
- Who
- Shamika Ravi, Prime Minister's Economic Advisor, and the UNFPA.
- What
- Shamika Ravi discusses India's demographic transition and declining fertility rates.
- When
- The demographic shift is happening now and is predicted to significantly impact the workforce in 25 years.
- Where
- Primarily in urban India.
- Why
- To highlight the need for policy changes and address the aging population.
- Expert
- Shamika Ravi
- Fertility Rate
- Below replacement level
- Urban Fertility
- Below replacement for 25 years
- Population Over 60
- Around 150 million
- Focus
- Unmet reproductive goals