Is Bihar’s High Replacement Rate a Consequence of Poverty?

Context: According to the Sample Registration System report for 2021, released by the Registrar General of India, Bihar reported the highest TFR at 3.0.

Is Bihar’s High Replacement Rate a Consequence of Poverty?

While poverty plays a significant role, cultural, social, and structural factors are equally influential in maintaining Bihar’s high Total Fertility Rate (TFR).

Reasons for High Total Fertility Rate (TFR) in Bihar

• Cultural Preferences: Only 6% of Bihari women think two children is ideal (vs 67% nationally).
  • Strong son preference persists; families often desire at least two sons.
• Economic and Social Factors: Poverty and reliance on children for economic security.
  • Agrarian economy and lack of industrialisation lead to high dependency on family labour.
  • Low female literacy and employability (53% female literacy as per the 2011 Census).
• Urban-Rural Paradox: Even in urban Bihar, TFR is above replacement level (2.3), unlike the national urban average of 1.6.
  • Suggests fertility is a conscious cultural choice, not just economic compulsion.
• Weak Health Infrastructure: Limited autonomy of women in reproductive decisions; mother-in-laws mediate between ASHA workers and young women.

Implications

• Demographic and Development Challenges: High TFR can strain public services, education, health, and employment sectors.
  • Despite declining infant mortality (27 per 1000), fertility remains high.
• Political Impact – Delimitation Debate: Northern States (high TFR) like Bihar may gain more seats in Parliament post-delimitation.
  • Southern States (low TFR) may get penalised for population control, raising issues of federal fairness and representational equity.
• Policy Implications: Need for comprehensive female education, women’s empowerment, and reproductive autonomy.
  • Fertility transition must be aligned with employment opportunities, urbanisation, and social reform.

Conclusion

Bihar’s high TFR is a multi-dimensional issue involving culture, economics, education, and governance. Without proactive intervention, the demographic divergence between North and South India could pose serious socio-political and federal challenges in the coming decades.

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