Sharp decline in birth rate in Kerala; 25 percent drop in Kerala, 45 percent drop in Ernakulam

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Due to the change in the outlook and life concepts of the youth, the birth rate in Kerala is dropping sharply.

According to government figures, while 5,60,268 children were born in 2011, only 4,19,767 were born in 2021. There is a drop of 25.077 percent.

There was a decrease of 46 percent in Ernakulam and 37 percent in Thiruvananthapuram, Thrissur and Kannur districts.

Those under 30 are scarcely seeking infertility treatment and the trend of getting abortion has increased.

While one section thinks of conceiving baby after securing a government job, another section avoids pregnancy to go abroad. With this, in the next ten years, the new generations will decrease significantly in Kerala.

In 2011, there was a big increase in the birth rate in Kerala, but then it gradually decreased. In 2019, it reached 4,80,113. In 2021, it has come down sharply. In the last 10 years, there has been a decrease in the number of babies born in all the districts.

One baby and migration

1. With the increase in migration to western countries, the birth rate here is decreasing.

2. New generation prioritize financial security. Many think that one baby is enough. There are people who think that babies are not necessary.

3. There are couples who think that they can have babies at a later time

Repercussions

1. Adults will have to lead isolated lives

2. Uninhabited houses will increase

3. Family concept will be rocked. People only aims at gaining wealth.

50.86% boys

Out of 419767 children born in 2011, 213500 (50.86%) were boys and 206250 (49.14%) were girls.

Mother's age

25- 29 years: 36.35 % young women

20- 24 years: 31.55% young women

(Ten-year average)

Least in Kochi

(Newborns ten years apart. Decrease in number in brackets)

District...................................2011... ...................2021

Ernakulam...................47340.................29492 (17848)

Thiruvananthapuram............54902...................37457 (17445)

Thrissur...................................55901............... ......38486 (17415)

Kannur...................................50944............ ......35435 (15509)

Kozhikode........................58799.................44374 (14425)

Kollam................................... 37381.............. ......23971 (13410)

Palakkad............................41500................... 32488 (9012)

Kottayam............................ 28340................. .20368 (7972)

Alappuzha.............................23257................. ...17227 (6030)

Malappuram................................92004................ ....86047 (5957)

Pathanamthitta...................17715.....................12722 (4993)

Idukki................................15182................ ......10864 (4318)

Kasaragod........................21927.................18444 (3483)

Wayanad...................................15076............... ...12398 (2678)