Odisha’s Birth Rate Declines Below National Average: Minister Highlights Family Planning Success

Bhubaneswar: Odisha has witnessed a steady decline in its birth rate, as revealed by the 2020 Sample Registration Survey (SRS). The state’s birth rate was recorded at 17.7, significantly lower than the national average of 19.5, according to Health and Family Welfare Minister Mukesh Mahaling.

The Minister shared the data in the Odisha Assembly on Monday while responding to a query from Rajnagar BJD MLA Dhruba Charan Sahoo. Odisha currently ranks 19th among the 29 states in terms of birth rate, reflecting its progress in population control measures.

Minister Mahaling credited the decline to the state’s effective family planning initiatives. “The comprehensive family planning measures implemented across Odisha are contributing to this positive trend. The birth rate is expected to decline further in the coming years as these efforts continue,” he stated.

The data highlights Odisha’s commitment to aligning with national demographic goals and underscores the state’s focus on population stabilization through targeted health interventions. This progress positions Odisha as a model for effective population management strategies in India.