Abstract

Population growth plays a critical role in shaping India’s economic development, influencing key socio-economic challenges such as unemployment, resource scarcity, inequality, and poverty. This article provides a comprehensive assessment of the complex interactions between demographic expansion and these development issues. Rapid population growth exerts pressure on labor markets, often exacerbating unemployment and underemployment, particularly among youth and unskilled workers. Simultaneously, increased demand for natural resources intensifies scarcity, affecting agricultural productivity, water availability, and energy consumption. The study also explores how population dynamics contribute to widening income disparities and persistent poverty, limiting equitable access to education, healthcare, and livelihood opportunities. By analyzing government policies, economic indicators, and demographic trends, the article evaluates the effectiveness of interventions aimed at managing population growth while fostering inclusive development. It emphasizes the need for integrated strategies that balance population control with human capital investment, sustainable resource management, and social welfare programs. This assessment highlights the multifaceted challenges and opportunities that population growth presents for India’s pursuit of sustainable and equitable economic progress.