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On World Population Day, Indians numbered 1,274,234,538 at 2.30 p.m. on Saturday, constituting an estimated 17.23% of the overall global inhabitation of humans, as per data available with an independent socio-economic statistical organisation.
According to Indiastat.com, which compiled secondary level socio-economic statistical information on India based on official figures, the numbers were based on data from the National Commission on Population and the US Census Bureau.
World Population Day seeks to raise awareness about issues related to demographics globally. The theme for this year is "Vulnerable Populations in Emergencies".
India has been forecast to overtake China as the most populous country by 2028, as per official estimates. But the government also says that population growth rate of the country has declined significantly from 21.54% for the decade of 1991-2000 to 17.64% during 2001-11.
This apart, out of 36 states and Union territories, 24 have reached population stabilisation.
"A mission mode strategy may be thought of for population stabilisation in critical states," Health Minister J P Nadda said on Saturday at an event to commemorate the UN-mandated global population day.
"Development partners and NGOs have a key role to play. We can't achieve the goal alone no matter how effective our mechanisms are. Their experiences and interventions are required to reach out to the masses," he said.
"We started our population programme in 1952. Positive results are showing up."
