By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: With the population rate in the state rising to 29 lakhs and 65 thousands, Meghalaya has the population density of 132 persons per square kilometer which is the highest in the North East.
As per the latest census, Meghalaya has recorded the highest decadal growth of 27.82 per cent among all the eight north-eastern states with the total population pegged at 29 lakhs and 65 thousands comprising 14,92,668 males and 14,71,339 females.
The two districts in Meghalaya—East Khasi Hills and Jaintia Hills have the highest number of women sex ratio where the number of females exceeds number of males.
Terming the rapid growth of population in the state as startling, Commissioner and Secretary of Health and Family Welfare Department, DP Wahlang said there is a need for population stabilization to enable the state to achieve sustainable and inclusive growth.
Wahlang pointed out that the Total Fertility Rate (TFR) in the state is very high which is pegged at 3.8 percent which is higher than the national level at 2.8 percent.
Besides this, the annual birth rate in Meghalaya is very high with 70,500 adding to the growing population every year, said Wahlang. While comparing this state to Manipur which has the same population more or less, Wahlang said Meghalaya still tops the list as the annual birth rate in Manipur is 33,465. The annual birth rate census of last year shows that Tripura stands at 46,777, Mizoram with 22,000 and Sikkim with the lowest at 7,900.
It was mentioned that the Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) and Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) in the state is also very high. Citing reasons for such a rapid growth in population, Wahlang said Early Marriage in the state is a very big problem which leads to abandonment.
“We are more conscious and educated therefore it is our duty to disseminate information relating to all these issues which should be taken seriously” the commissioner urged.
Meanwhile, lamenting on the rapid growth of population, Additional Secretary of Health and Family Welfare, KW Marbaniang said inspite of an increase in the literacy rate in the state which is marked at 75 percent, it is ironic to see that people are still unaware of family planning.
On this occasion, the Commissioner and Secretary of Health and Family Welfare also gave away the Award of Excellence for Best Performing District in the World Population Fortnight to West Garo Hills District along with a cash prize of Rs 10,000.