Population Growth and Development Relationships: A Critique

Abstract

Population growth and development relationships have been focus of debate in various contexts but more often than not receiving an arbitrary deal. The mushroomed views expressed in this regard, no doubt, acknowledge the complexities and magnitude of the population growth related issues, these appear to be inconsistent and difficult to be linked in a systematic manner. The present paper attempts to put precisely the diverse arguments advanced by noted scholars of this field, as far as possible, in a coherent way underlining the problem, dual facets (dilemma) of population-development relationships, imperatives and ironies of situations, relevant issues and pertinent questions, etc. Prior to summing up, sonic explanations and certain suggestive measures have
been succinctly discussed. Although illustrative in nature with examples drawn from developing countries, particularly India, this paper's significance lies in its being related to the population factor which has bearing on practically all the inputs of development planning.