Elsa Angel Rose
Goa has recorded the lowest birth rate in India and a low total fertility rate according to data released by the Sample Registration System (SRS). Much explanation is not required, as such information clearly shows where the state stands in terms of its future. Goa records a crude birth rate of about 10.8 births per 1,000 population, considerably lower than the national average of more than 18 births per 1,000. This is the lowest crude birth rate among all Indian states and Union Territories. The state’s Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has declined to roughly 1.3, which is significantly below the replacement level fertility rate of 2.1 needed to sustain a stable population over time. This data is a slight nudge on the fact that people in Goa are having substantially fewer children than required to maintain the existing population size in the long run. Such persistently low birth and fertility rates have wide-ranging long-term consequences for the state.
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A SCARY ECONOMY STARES DOWN YOUNGSTERS
The current economic scenario is clearly not the best time to bring a child into the world, several youngters seem to believe. The ongoing geopolitical situation, the increasing replacement of jobs by AI, the climate crisis, and several other factors contribute to inflation, unemployment, low-paying jobs, health concerns, and various other challenges. As a result, this cycle of uncertainty and instability continues. It would be jumping the gun to have children when one is not financially and socially secure, they opine. “The current global environment plays a huge role. Economic uncertainty, rising living costs, job market fluctuations, geopolitical tensions, and concerns about the future can make young people more cautious about taking on the responsibilities of parenthood. While these factors may not discourage people from having families altogether, they often influence the timing of that decision,” said Sachin Sutar, a young adult from Velha. People are more prudent in their choices, unlike in the past. “I believe youngsters in Goa think differently about family planning compared to previous generations. One of the major reasons is the rising cost of living. Today, people are very aware that raising a child requires significant financial resources, from education and healthcare to everyday expenses. Because of this, many couples prefer having only one child or a maximum of two children so that they can provide them with better opportunities and a higher quality of life,” said Natasha Ramesh Kerkar, a young advocate from Saligao. Lifestyle change is also pertinent. Young people want a decent lifestyle for themselves, and they wouldn’t want to adjust their lifestyle for a child. They want to achieve their dreams first, have fulfilling careers, travel the world, and more. Amidst these aspirations, the space for having a family becomes minuscule; if anything, it is often seen as a hindrance.
MEN AND WOMEN SEE THE FAMILY PICTURE DIFFERENTLY
My goal is to become a successful woman leading a fulfilling and meaningful life. One of my priorities is building a family with a partner who shares mutual respect and values. Alongside creating a loving home, I hope to continue pursuing a meaningful career, personal passions, and individual growth while maintaining harmony between family life and personal aspirations,” shared Syble Ursula Dias, a youngster from Santa Cruz. There are apparent distinctions in how men and women view raising children or having a family. “Most concerns surrounding having a child revolve around the potential loss of personal hobbies, interests, and individual identity. More broadly, it is about losing the freedom to do whatever one wants and be whoever one wants to be,” said Anmol Raiker, a 26-year old from Porvorim. Having a family is “one of the goals,” not “the be-all and end-all,” for men in general. Women, on the other hand, generally tend to place career and family on a balance and navigate both simultaneously. “My priorities include building a meaningful career, achieving financial independence, maintaining good health, and continuing personal growth. Having a family is also one of my long-term goals because I value companionship and emotional support. However, I believe that starting a family should happen when both partners are emotionally and financially ready to provide a stable environment for children,” said Sachin. Just like men, women also want to have their own identity before they commit to starting a family. “Men and women in Goa both equally prefer having an identity of their own, as both feel the need to be highly educated and established in their personal lives,” said Anmol. He further pointed out how the desire to establish an independent identity correlates differently with the biological clocks of both genders. Delaying parenthood to build one’s identity and career, he noted, “brings women closer to their biological deadline in terms of childbearing and childbirth, whereas for men, the timeline is relatively different. For women, childbirth before their 30s is more ideal.” He added, “Women look for men as equal partners in taking care of a child, not just financially but also in raising the child. Until they find someone whom they feel is capable of doing so, they prefer not to settle otherwise. Men, on the other hand, generally tend to view it from the perspective of being financially stable enough to provide for the family,” said Anmol.
A SHRINKING GENERATION, A GROWING CHALLENGE
A continuous low fertility rate and birth rate can create several damaging long-term challenges for a state. “Firstly, in my view, it can give rise to an increase in the ageing population, where the number of elderly people increases while the working-age population declines, further leading to labour shortages, reduced economic productivity, and a smaller tax-paying workforce, which contributes largely to the development of the state’s infrastructural facilities. The government may have to spend more on elderly care and pensions, with a smaller workforce leading to less revenue,” explained Dr Aida Dourado, sociology expert and educator from Nuvem, Salcete. Regarding reasons why Goa has a low birth and fertility rate, Dr Aida shared, “The state has relatively high literacy rates, especially among women, and greater access to higher education. Many women today pursue careers and professional goals before considering marriage and motherhood. Improved healthcare, awareness, and access to family planning methods have enabled couples to make informed reproductive choices. Rising living costs, housing expenses, and the desire to provide a better quality of life for children often encourage families to limit the number of children they have. Preferences for nuclear families, leading to less support, have also made couples think twice before having even their first child. Stress has led to fertility problems in both men and women, resulting in a decline in birth rates.” Goa’s declining birth and fertility rates are not merely a reflection of changing attitudes towards parenthood but also of broader social, economic, and cultural shifts. Young people today are placing greater emphasis on career growth, financial stability, and personal fulfilment before considering marriage and children. While these choices are often driven by practical realities and their personal aspirations, they also contribute to a demographic trend that could reshape the state’s future. Hence, the challenge lies in understanding and addressing the factors behind this shift while ensuring that individuals are supported in balancing their personal ambitions with family life.
