In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Khandelwal said the country, with a population exceeding 1.4 billion, stands at a “pivotal demographic juncture”.
While it is a valuable asset and a source of immense human capital, it is also placing increasing pressure on natural resources, infrastructure, employment opportunities and public services such as healthcare and education, the MP from Chandni Chowk said.
“Rapid population growth is contributing to urban congestion, rising unemployment, environmental stress and strain on essential services. If not addressed through a structured policy framework, these challenges may hinder our journey towards becoming a developed nation.
“Such a policy (should) be based on awareness, education and voluntary participation, while ensuring universal access to family planning services and promoting women empowerment. It should also adopt region-specific strategies to address varying population growth trends across different states,” he added.
Khandelwal said the country is witnessing a demographic dividend, with a large proportion of youth entering the workforce, but appropriate population management and planning are required to harness it effectively for accelerated economic growth.
However, without timely intervention, this opportunity could turn into a demographic burden, he said.The MP said a national policy will play a crucial role in achieving population stabilisation in a balanced and time-bound manner and aligning population growth with economic capacity and resource availability.
It will also strengthen healthcare, education and infrastructure planning, and promote sustainable urbanisation and environmental protection.
He said it will enhance the quality of life for citizens.
Khandelwal urged Modi to initiate the process at the earliest, saying the policy will support long-term reforms and inclusive development.
“A well-designed national population management policy will further strengthen India’s path towards a Viksit Bharat by ensuring that our demographic strength translates into economic and social prosperity,” he said.
