Growing Population Pressure on Employment Opportunities and Sustainable Development in India

Abstract

Population growth has become one of the biggest socio-economic challenges in India. With a population of over 1.4 billion and an annual growth rate that is higher than the global average, the country is putting pressure on its already limited employment opportunities. Job opportunities have not increased consistently compared to the rapid growth of the workforce. As a result, unemployment and underemployment, especially among the youth and in rural areas, have become significant challenges. The United Nations established 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015, which are aimed at being achieved by 2030. These goals include key issues such as eradicating poverty, ensuring quality education, promoting health, providing clean water and energy, creating jobs, and protecting the environment. However, India’s rapidly growing population is putting significant pressure on progress towards achieving these goals. Unemployment is one of the most serious socio-economic problems facing India today, especially with a rapidly growing population and a significant number of young people. The problem not only affects individual lives; It also poses a serious obstacle, both directly and indirectly, to the achievement of various Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This paper attempts to explore the complex relationship between India’s population growth and employment generation by examining trends from 2000 to 2025. The research draws on secondary data sources such as government reports and census data to shed light on how uncontrolled population growth is leading to economic imbalances, labour market distortions and income inequality.