This write up has come up after having been inspired from many individuals and intellectuals expressing about population decline in our society (only based on some Naga tribes). Indeed, declining population is a matter of serious concern. According to various sources, the death ratio is higher than the birth rate ratio. When we look at the world demography of population, in the early 2020’s the world population were at 7 billion people on earth and by the middle of 2020’s the world population is at 8 billion. When the world population itself is soaring higher and higher but in contrast, the other part is witnessing a silent decline in population. I think it is not a silent subject to be muted on but an open subject/issue to redress/discuss upon by every right thinking citizens.
Just for instance, the land area of country Israel is just the size of Manipur state but the current Israel population stood at 9 million (according to 2025). When we talk about nation Israel then we all know what was happened throughout their history and what is happening now for the better or worse scenario in world geo-politics. Israel is a very tiny nation comparing to other big countries but shattering big nations through her might and is on world geo-political map. Even our Nagaland state area is 16,000 sq.km and according to 2011 census the total population of Nagaland stood at 1,978,502. Hence, area and population wise, Nagaland is comparatively small. In short, we need more population (work force) to carry on economic activities within Nagaland and within our own soil. We can’t deny the fact that we have vast areas of virgin forest land that is untouched and uncultivated. With plenty of untouched resources at our doorsteps which can be generated for huge revenue. I encourage the government and the Ngo’s to focus on schemes relating to population decline. Not so long ago, the Government of India had launched the scheme called the “Jiyo parsi” scheme under the Minority Affairs Ministry which focuses on reversing the declining Parsi population by providing financial assistance for infertility treatment and childcare. This scheme aims to encourage more couples to have children. Like the mainland India’s population keeps on increasing by converting into workforce and finally contributing in nation’s economy but in contrast, our state’s population seems keeps on decreasing. It is an imperative need for all of us to focus on how to fix these hidden issues that has been existed for long.
Here, I want to bring out some points that affect population growth and decline in population.
Migration from rural to urban areas for better education and livelihood
Most parents preferred their children to study in the well-established and reputed schools and colleges in urban areas thereby leaving rural villages and settling down in cities and towns. Now, many job aspirants from rural areas camped in urban cities and towns to secure a government job resulting in delaying of marriage at a right time. It seems impossible for many because after getting descent education, the entire educated person wanted to be independent from family pressure. This results in delaying of marriage.
Following the policy of small family system
Most of the families preferred to be small family rather than having big or nuclear family. For instance, there are many small families whose parents want their children to be educated and get a job according to what they desired for. It has also partly responsible towards many schemes launched by the central government in order to reduce population. In the year 1952, India launched the first family planning program making India the first country to do so and then followed by comprehensive family planning program in the year 1972. This program was initiated to control the country’s rapid growing population specifically focusing on reducing birth rates.
Along with this scheme there were campaigns through posters and pamphlets about having small family (happy family) rather than having nuclear family. Following such directives from the central government, majority of the Naga family started to have small family by late 90’s or from early 2000’s and this policy was largely followed by many families.
Decreased in farming (shifting of occupation)
During our forefather’s time, farming was an essential part and parcel of the family system for their survival. They used to have many children to engage in farming. But now, everything has changed. With the advancement of modern tools and technology, human labor seems less effective as most of the work were executed by the machine. Moreover, the need to have many children doesn’t necessitated with the decline of farming because many parents started to be more intellectuals and were educated enough to let their children get descent education and descent job. This shift of paradigm in social life structure partly resulted in population decline among the Aos.
Education oriented
This generation focusses more on individual career rather than having a family. Many well educated and highly skilled preferred to be independent in decision making rather than living under someone’s roof. This kind of attitude leads to delaying in marriages at the right time and thereby declines in population growth.
Workaholic and job oriented
Many people devote their time mostly on work/job rather than marriage as priority. Without job, settling down seems insecure but actually God has given us our hands for survival therefore there is always a way out for our survival.
Late marriage
Late marriage is becoming a culture in our society due to pursuit of personal achievements in life and wanting to live independently without being pressured from others.
Opting for Independent life.
It may be partially responsible as most men and women prefer to live independently without interference and thereby resulting in late marriages.
Normal birth complication
With the advancement of technology and gadgets with us in our daily lives, every household chores are done by machine and advanced tools and technology making pregnant woman less amount of time for work and thereby resulting in less physical engagement during pregnancy period and finally leading to alternate way of childbirth (caesarian) instead of normal birth. Knowing the fact that unlike yesteryears where many pregnant women engage in farming and can give birth easily and can have many children. But now the situation has become opposite.
Thus in conclusion, keeping these factors in mind, we must always advocate our children by educating them about family system by starting a family at the right time and at the God’s blessed time in order to have healthy succeeding generations. If not then for instance, Bo tribe in the Andaman Islands, Apalachee an American native tribe, Calusa a powerful coastal people in Florida, Karan kawa a nomadic people in texas have become extinct. According to survey, there are possible 8 Indian tribes on the verge of extinction, 75 endangered and vulnerable tribal groups that could face severe risk of cultural loss, geographic displacement and declining populations. Hence, sadly it could be us too in the very future for extinction if we just leave lightly and keep on unchecked.
Yarangchang Imchen.
Lower Chandmari.
Friday, September 11, 2026