Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s birth rate has been steadily declining, according to data from the 2020 Sample Registration Survey (SRS).
Health and Family Welfare Minister Mukesh Mahaling shared this information in the Odisha Assembly on Monday while responding to a question from Rajnagar BJD MLA Dhruba Charan Sahoo.
The state’s birth rate was recorded at 17.7 in 2020, significantly below the national average of 19.5. Odisha ranks 19th among the 29 states in terms of birth rate, the Minister noted.
Minister Mahaling attributed the decline to effective family planning initiatives implemented across the state. He indicated that the birth rate might decrease further in the coming years due to these ongoing measures.
The data underscores the state’s focus on population control while aligning with national health and demographic goals.