DC
THE POPULATION MYTH

The problem of our population has also to be con-
sidered. 73 per cent of the population, directly de-
pends upon agriculture; a further 10 per cent indirect-
ly. Since the 17th century, when approximate figures
are available, there has been a rapid increase in India's
population.

100 millions.

130

150

254

353

1750
1850
1881
1931
1941

It is a fallacy to attribute our difficulties to the
growth of our population. It is in the first instance
incorrect to say as some British authorities do, that
the rate of population growth has been the highest in
India.

Percentage increase of population in India

1871-81

1881-91

1891-1901

1901-1911

1911-1921

1921-31

1931-41

1.5

9.6

1.4

6.4

1.2

10.6

15.0

Between 1870 and 1930, therefore, the population
increase was 30,7 per cent. Other peoples in the
world are multiplying much faster. Europe exclud-

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