The changing demographic landscape of India was the focus of a seminar held in Visakhapatnam, where experts discussed the social, economic and policy challenges arising from declining fertility, longer life expectancy, regional population differences and youth unemployment.

The panel discussion, titled “Emerging Demographic Dimensions in India – Concerns and Way Forward,” was organised by the Society for Integrated Development and Research (SIDAR) at Dr. Lankapalli Bullayya College on Wednesday, October 14, 2026.

 

Former Acharya Nagarjuna University Vice-Chancellor Prof. V. Balamohandas highlighted the need for forward-looking policies that can harness India’s demographic dividend while responding to rising life expectancy.

Former Dr. NTR University of Health Sciences Vice-Chancellor Dr. P. Shyam Prasad discussed regional differences in fertility trends, while former Andhra University economics professor Prof. G. Ramachandrudu examined the wider socioeconomic and political implications of demographic change. Gynaecologist and former Director of Medical Education Dr. R. Sasiprabha spoke about factors contributing to declining fertility rates across socioeconomic groups.

 

SIDAR president and former Andhra Pradesh State Council of Higher Education chairman Prof. K.C. Reddy also shared perspectives on demographic adjustments at the national level. Other participants included SIDAR Director of Projects Prof. S. Ramakrishna Rao, Population Research Centre Director Prof. B. Muniswamy and SIDAR Vice-President Prof. D. Harinarayana.

The discussions highlighted the importance of evidence-based policymaking to address demographic changes, support older populations, improve employment opportunities for young people and respond to differences between regions. The seminar concluded with a call for data-driven administrative interventions.