Metro India News | Hyderabad 

Telangana is poised to become one of India’s most demographically mature states, with population growth nearing a halt. According to the Census of India’s report, Population Projections for India and States 2011-35, the State’s Total Fertility Rate (TFR) is projected to decline sharply to 1.5 by 2031-35, well below the national TFR of 1.9, as highlighted in the UNFPA’s 2025 State of World Population report.

The declining fertility, coupled with increased life expectancy, reflects the State’s success in socio-economic development, health access, and education. Telangana’s population growth rate, which was 7.1 per thousand during 2011-15, is expected to drop dramatically to just 0.3 per thousand by 2031-35.

The decline has been evident over the decades: from 5.4 (2016-20) to 3.5 (2021-23) and further to 1.7 by 2026-30. Experts point out that the falling fertility rate is not merely a demographic statistic but also reflects changing societal preferences, with many individuals choosing to have fewer children or postponing parenthood. The UN report emphasizes that the challenge is not overpopulation but meeting the reproductive needs and goals of citizens.

With the population approaching below-replacement levels, Telangana will need to prepare for an ageing society. The UN has urged states facing such demographic shifts to focus on healthcare infrastructure, social security, and policies that support an ageing population while ensuring economic and social stability. Telangana’s demographic transition highlights a broader national trend toward lower fertility rates and an urgent need to plan for a future where population replacement is no longer guaranteed.