In a significant announcement during the Union Budget 2024 presentation, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman declared the formation of a high-powered committee aimed at addressing the challenges posed by rapid population growth in India.
This move reflects the government’s commitment to navigating the demographic changes and ensuring sustainable development.
Let’s delve into the details of this key initiative and its potential impact on the nation.
Understanding the High Powered Committee
The finance minister emphasized the government’s decision to establish a high-powered committee dedicated to a thorough examination of challenges arising from fast population growth and demographic shifts.
This committee is entrusted with the crucial task of making comprehensive recommendations aligned with the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat‘ or Developed India.
Population Growth Challenges of India
To appreciate the urgency of this initiative, it’s essential to consider the current population landscape. According to the latest estimates from the United Nations, India is poised to overtake China as the world’s most populous country.
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With a projected population of 1,425,775,850, India’s growth trajectory underscores the need for proactive measures to address the associated challenges.
Comparative Population Analysis with China
China, historically the most populous nation, is experiencing a decline in population, having recently reached its peak size. In contrast, India’s population is anticipated to continue growing for several decades.
The committee’s recommendations are expected to take into account this critical comparison and chart a course for sustainable development in the face of demographic shifts.
Government’s Vision for Next Generation Reforms
Finance Minister Sitharaman outlined the government’s commitment to initiating next-generation reforms to foster growth.
She envisions the next five years as a period of unprecedented development, marking golden moments in realizing the dream of a developed India by 2047.
This vision aligns with the government’s strategy for ‘Amrit Kaal,’ as highlighted in the interim Budget 2024-25.
Viksit Bharat Misssion
While presenting the budget, FM Sitharaman shed light on specific areas of focus within the committee’s mandate. The emphasis is on formulating strategies to address challenges arising from population growth comprehensively.
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The goal is to align these strategies with the overarching vision of ‘Viksit Bharat,’ ensuring a balanced and sustainable trajectory for the nation’s development.
Healthcare Extension under Ayushman Bharat
In a related announcement, the government revealed the extension of healthcare cover under the Ayushman Bharat scheme to all Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) and anganwadi workers.
This move is a significant step towards ensuring health coverage for a broader segment of the population, contributing to the overall well-being and development goals.
Conclusion
The creation of the high-powered committee is a pivotal step in addressing the challenges posed by population growth in India.
As the nation stands at the cusp of demographic shifts, proactive measures are crucial to ensuring sustainable development and achieving the vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat.’
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The government’s commitment to next-generation reforms and healthcare inclusivity underscores its dedication to creating a path for balanced and comprehensive growth.
As we look ahead, the recommendations and actions stemming from this committee’s work will play a crucial role in shaping India’s future on the global stage. Stay tuned for further updates on this groundbreaking initiative.
