Delhi has witnessed a significant drop in its birth rate following the COVID-19 pandemic, with figures declining from 18.35 per 1,000 people to 14.85 in 2020, according to the latest government report.
The “Annual Report on Registration of Births and Deaths in Delhi-2023” revealed that birth rates in Delhi between 2005 and 2019 ranged from 18 to 22 per 1,000 people. However, post-COVID-19, the birth rate dropped between 13 and 15 per 1,000 people from 2020 to 2023.
2019, the birth rate was 18.35 per 1,000, but it fell to 14.85 in 2020 and 13.13 in 2021 and slightly increased to 14.24 and 14.66 in 2022 and 2023, respectively.
According to the report, out of 13,919 non-institutional births, 7,216 were females, making up 51.84% of such births. Among the 3,01,168 institutional births, a majority of 1,94,428 (64.56%) occurred in government hospitals. Of these, 1,43,891 (47.78%) were female births.
The report highlights that institutional births comprised 95.58% of total births in 2023, with government institutions accounting for 61.71% and non-government institutions 33.88%. Non-institutional or domiciliary births made up the remaining 4.42%. On average, government hospitals in Delhi handled 533 live births daily in 2023, compared to 292 per day by non-government institutions.
The report also pointed out that hospitals and institutions do not regularly report stillbirths to the relevant Registrar (B&D). The Office of Chief Registrar (B&D) has communicated with hospital medical superintendents to ensure that all vital events, including stillbirths, are reported within 21 days.
Regarding deaths, the report noted a 67:33 ratio between institutional and domiciliary deaths in 2023. The non-institutional deaths decreased from 36.28% in 2022 to 33.06% in 2023. Of the 1,32,391 deaths registered in 2023, there were 7,439 infant deaths.
The Impacts of High vs. Low Birth Rates
A higher birth rate can lead to a growing population, stimulating economic development and supporting cultural continuity by ensuring a youthful demographic. However, it can also significantly strain resources and infrastructure, potentially leading to overcrowding, resource shortages, and environmental degradation.
On the other hand, a lower birth rate can help manage resources more efficiently and reduce environmental impact, contributing to improved living conditions and access to services. However, it often results in an ageing population, creating challenges like labour shortages, increased pressure on social services, and slower economic growth, potentially affecting overall societal vitality and innovation.
