Population Our Greatest Resource

17 per thousand

Natural growth rate is calculated by subtracting death rate from birth rate. So, 25 - 8 = 17 per thousand. This means for every 1000 people, there is a net increase of 17 people per year due to natural factors (births minus deaths). Option A (33) would be if we added birth and death rates, which is incorrect. Option C (200) would be if we multiplied them. Option D (3.1) would be if we divided birth rate by death rate, which is not the correct formula for natural growth rate.

933 females per 1000 males

According to Census 2001, India's sex ratio was 933 females per 1000 males. This indicates an unfavorable sex ratio as it shows fewer females than males in the population. The declining sex ratio from 972 in 1901 to 933 in 2001 reflects discrimination against females in Indian society. Option A (943) is incorrect census data. Option C (950) is also incorrect. Option D (1000) would represent an equal sex ratio, which India has not achieved. The unfavorable sex ratio is due to factors like female infanticide, neglect of female children, and preference for male children.

0-14 years and 60+ years

Dependent population consists of both children (0-14 years) and elderly (60+ years) who typically depend on the working population for their needs. Children depend on adults for care, education, and support, while elderly often need support for healthcare and living expenses. The working population (15-60 years) supports both these groups. Option A is incomplete as it excludes elderly. Option B is incomplete as it excludes children. Option D represents the working population, not dependent population. A high dependency ratio means more resources are needed for non-productive population segment

To improve quality of life and stabilize population

The National Population Policy 2000 aimed to improve the quality of life of people and stabilize population for sustainable development. It focused on addressing unmet needs for contraception, healthcare infrastructure, and providing integrated reproductive and child healthcare services. Option A is opposite to the policy's intent. Option C is unrealistic as immediate zero growth is not feasible or desirable. Option D is too narrow - the policy had broader objectives beyond just family planning, including health, education, and women's empowerment. The policy recognized that improving quality