Context: Recently, Bengaluru launches digital population clock at Institute for Social and Economic Change (ISEC), providing real-time population estimates for Karnataka and India to boost awareness on demographic changes.

• This initiative, a collaboration between ISEC and the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), aims to increase awareness of population dynamics and provide accurate data for research.

Population Clock Features

• The clock is strategically placed at the entrance of ISEC to enhance public awareness of India’s rapid population growth.

• Real-time Population Count: Continuously updates the population based on real-time data, providing an up-to-the-minute view of the population size.

• Karnataka’s population will update every one minute and 10 seconds, while the national population count will refresh every two seconds.

• Demographic Data: Incorporates birth rates, death rates, and migration patterns to calculate the changes in population. 

• Also account for other demographic factors such as life expectancy, fertility rates, and mortality rates.

• Global vs. National Clocks: Digital population clocks can be global (tracking the world’s population) or country-specific.

Project Collaboration and Objectives

• The population clock is a joint initiative between ISEC and the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW).

• This clock is part of a larger national project by the MoHFW, setting up population clocks at 18 Population Research Centres (PRCs) across the country.

• Objective: It is aimed at raising public awareness on population growth and its implications for sustainable development.

• Significance: Intended to provide valuable, authentic data for researchers and scholars interested in demographic trends.

Establishment of Census Data Research Workstation

• Alongside the clock, a Census Data Research Workstation has been set up at ISEC, also overseen by the head of the Population Research Centre (PRC) at ISEC.

• The workstation offers access to comprehensive census data for researchers and students, enabling in-depth demographic studies and supporting policy planning.

• Equipped with advanced software and analytical tools, it facilitates detailed analysis of population trends and their impact on policy and development.

About Population Research Centres (PRCs)

• Established by:  the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), Government of India.

• Mandate: Provide research-based inputs for Health and Family Welfare Programs and Policies.

• Focus areas: Family planning, demographic research, biological studies, and qualitative aspects of population control.

Research objectives

• Understand population trends and dynamics.

• Evaluate the impact of family planning programs.

• Identify factors influencing fertility and mortality.

• Develop evidence-based recommendations for policy and program implementation.

Activities:

• Conduct original research studies.

• Analyze existing data and literature.

• Disseminate research findings through publications and presentations.

• Collaborate with other researchers and institutions.

• Provide technical assistance to government agencies and NGOs.

• Network: 18 PRCs across India, located in universities and research institutes.

Contributions:

• Inform policy decisions and program design.

• Strengthen the evidence base for population and health interventions.

• Build capacity in population research and analysis.