India's Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has fallen below the replacement level for the first time, according to the Sample Registration System Statistical Report 2024 released by the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner under the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. The Total Fertility Rate measures the average number of children a woman is expected to have during her lifetime. A replacement-level fertility rate of 2.1 is generally considered necessary to maintain a stable population over the long term. The latest report shows India's fertility rate has now dipped below that benchmark.

India’s total fertility rate drops to 1.9 children per woman, raising concerns over future labour shortages, ageing society and long-term population decline.

India's birth rate has dropped below the replacement level. This trend is particularly noticeable among educated women. The nation's fertility rate now stands at 1.9 births per…