Consider the following statements regarding Total Fertility Rate (TFR):

1. TFR refers to the average number of children a woman is expected to have during her lifetime under current birth rates.

2. A TFR of 2.1 is considered the replacement level fertility, ensuring a stable population in the long run.

3. India’s TFR has remained above replacement level in the last decade, leading to continued population growth.

4. A declining TFR always results in an immediate population decline.

How many of the above statements are correct?

The correct answer is option 2.

Key Points

• Statement 1 – Correct – TFR measures the average number of children a woman would have under current birth rates.
• Statement 2 – Correct – A TFR of 2.1 is considered the replacement rate in the absence of migration and high mortality.
• Statement 3 – Incorrect – India’s TFR fell below replacement level (2.0) as per NFHS-5 (2019-21), indicating a slowdown in population growth.
• Statement 4 – Incorrect – A declining TFR does not cause immediate population decline due to demographic momentum (young population still entering reproductive age).
  • Correct Answer: (b) Only two (Statements 1 and 2 are correct).