Highest working-age population ratio in Delhi, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh

NEW DELHI: With the percentage of the economically active population in the 15-59 age group at over 66% in the country, the Sample Registration System Statistical Report for 2023 shows Delhi has the highest proportion in this category at 70.8%, with the percentage for females marginally higher at 70.9% than males (70.7%). Telangana is next at 70.2%, and Andhra Pradesh follows, with 70.1% of its population figuring in the working age group.

Overall data showed a decline in the population in the 0-14 age group, from a little over 41% in 1971 to 24% in 2023, and an increase in the proportion of the economically active population, from around 53% in 1971 to 66.1% in 2023.

Urban share of working-age population higher at 68%
The Sample Registration System Statistical Report-2023 data revealed that a higher proportion of males and females in working age group of 15-59 live in urban areas (68.6%) as compared to rural areas (64.6%).

While among bigger states and UTs, Bihar has the highest percentage of population in 0-4 (11.3%) and 0-14 years age group (32%), the state accounts for the lowest percentage of population in economically active age group of 15-59, at 60.1%. Tamil Nadu has the lowest percentage in 0-4 age group (5.7%).

At national level, 24.2% of the population falls within 0-14 years age group. A rural-urban comparison shows that 25.9% rural population is under 15 years of age, compared to 21.1% in urban areas. In contrast, states such as Tamil Nadu (18.2%), Andhra Pradesh and Punjab (19.3% each), and Kerala (20%) reported comparatively lower proportions of population in this age group.

The population trends show while in 0-14 age group, male population is about 1.3% more than female, in older age-groups of 15-59, 60+, and 15-64, the percentage of females is more than that of males by 0.3, 1.0, and 1.2 percentage points, respectively.

The report also brings focus into India's elderly population. In 2023, 9.7% of total population was aged 60 years and above, with a slightly higher percentage for females (10.2%) than males (9.2%). This also shines light on growing concern being raised by civil society groups and experts about need for policy initiatives for senior citizens and women in particular who have a higher life expectancy than men.

At state level, Kerala has the highest percentage of population in 60-plus age group, with 15.1% falling under this category, followed by Tamil Nadu (14%) and Himachal (13.2%). Jharkhand (7.6%), Assam (7.6%) and Delhi (7.7%) have the lowest percentage of population in this age bracket. The percentage of elderly females is higher than elderly males in most states and UTs, except Assam and J&K.

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