India's Demographic Challenges

India continues to fall behind not only industrialized countries but also some less industrialized countries in many demographic spheres. However, because of its changing age structure, India is bound to become an economic powerhouse in the coming years. When the working-age population in many economic rivals, such as China, Japan, and South Korea, shrinks dramatically, the country will add millions of young people to its labor force. How far India will be able to exploit this economic growth potential is a major challenge for public policy.

This book is a semi-technical introduction to emerging population issues faced by India today. It identifies the most critical variables that policymakers can manipulate to improve people’s social and economic well-being. It will benefit students, researchers, policymakers, and informed readers who are curious about how India’s social fabric and economic destiny are intertwined with its demography.