Contrary to the trend in other states and the national average, the birth rate in Bihar (number of births per 1,000 people) rose marginally from 26.3 to 26.8 from 2015 to 2016, shows the Sample Registration System (SRS) survey commissioned by the Registrar General of India (see chart 1). When the birth rate reduces, population growth rate reduces—as has been happening in all Indian states—and fewer and fewer newborn are added every year.

India’s birth rate consistently glided down, from 21.8 to 20.4, in the five years to 2016. Yet, says the SRS report, Bihar added ...