Kerala's birth rate hits 20-year low, 'serious issue' says government
What's the story
Kerala has witnessed a sharp decline in its birth rate over the last two decades, hitting a 20-year low.
In 2024, the state saw only 3.48 lakh births, a sharp decline from 5.34 lakh in 2014 and around six lakh two decades ago.
The state's Finance Minister K N Balagopal flagged the trend in a budget presentation to the state legislative assembly, calling it a "serious" issue that needs immediate attention.
Economic impact
Minister Balagopal attributes decline to economic prosperity
Balagopal told CNN-News18 that such a decline is characteristic of developed economies.
"You should take the case of Europe, the US and Canada. When economic prosperity is there, the population will decline," he said.
He attributed this trend in Kerala to good education and family planning.
However, he also feared the economic implications of this demographic shift, such as a smaller workforce and a growing elderly population that could slow down economic growth.
Migration concerns
Out-migration from Kerala under scrutiny
Balagopal also spoke about out-migration from Kerala, stressing it should be seen in the context of these demographic changes.
He slammed "blind" support for all kinds of out-migration, saying many Keralites work abroad under poor conditions despite job opportunities at home.
The state's budget urged awareness campaigns with educational institutions' career guidance cells to tackle student out-migration.