THE BALANCED DEMOGRAPHIC TRANSITION IN WEST BENGAL OF INDIA: A ROADMAP FOR A DEVELOPED ECONOMY

Ram Krishna Mandal

Journal of Global Economy, 2025, vol. 21, issue 3, 175-185

Abstract: West Bengal's religion is made up of a variety of beliefs. It is a home to the religions: Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, Judaism, Animism, and Zoroastrianism. Hinduism has the greatest population, followed by Islam in second place. Objective: The study aims to examine the demographic transition in West Bengal of India. Materials and Methods: The main source of population data is the censuses. The analysis makes use of the decadal population growth rate (PGR) and the compound population growth formula. Hindu and Muslim decadal growth percentages are computed and displayed along with a graphic presentation. The percentage of Muslims' relative increase in comparison to Hindus is displayed separately. The compound population growth rate for Muslims and Hindus is computed independently and displayed diagrammatically. Results and Discussion: The curve of census-wise percentage share for Hindus in the total population is downward sloping, but that for Muslims is upward sloping. As a result, both curves are getting closer to one another and will eventually intersect in the near future, when the share of the Muslim population is equal to or greater than that of the Hindu population. The compound population growth formula shows that the Muslims and Hindus will be equal after 130 years, normally. But the present situation tells that this will happen very early. Conclusion: Balanced demographic transition of the population is essential for promoting sustainable economic development.

Keywords: Religion; Hinduism; Islam; Buddhism; Economic Development; Population Growth (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: J11 J13 O11 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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