Huge population can be a boon: Professor G Nageswara Rao

Visakhapatnam: Andhra University Vice-Chancellor Prof. G. Nageswara Rao thinks that huge population is not always a curse, but can be an opportunity if the investments in the younger population are made properly. He cited the example of China, which is challenging developed nations like the US because of its population and quality. Speaking at a World Population Day meet here, the Vice-Chancellor underscored the need for utilising the window of demographic dividend which gives an opportunity for the country to foster growth and development.

He later released a book titled Unlimited World Population and Challenges to Human Beings, written by Prof. M. Prasada Rao, member, executive committee and director, SAARC Centre. The event was organised by the Population Research Centre in collaboration with the Indian Association for the Study of Population (IASP). Prof. V. Uma Maheswara Rao, Registrar, Andhra University, highlighted the need for observing the World Population Day and called upon the youth to take the message of awareness about population growth and its implications. He also cited the example of countries like Japan where the old age population is increasing, which is likely to create a vacuum in the development process.

K.V.R. Subrahmanyam, vice-president, IASP, said: “All over the world, teenage fertility is high and the family planning programme needs to address the issue to reduce child-bearing during 15- 9 years of age.”