The study of age composition of population is helpful in determining the proportion of the labour force in the total population. It also helps us in understanding about the dependent population, lon­gevity and aged population.

The age composition of the Indian population is not favourable so far as the proportion of labour force is concerned. According to 1991 census, the proportion of child population in the 0-14 age group was 37.77 per cent and of the elder population (above 60 years) 6.67 per cent. Hence, the working population in age group of 15-60 is only 55.56 per cent of the total population.

This denotes higher percentage of children population, poor longevity and higher dependency ratio. Table 27.VI shows age compassion of India’s population since 1901 onwards. While the percentage of child population to the total population has shown fluctu­ating trend, the adult and aged populations have shown decreasing and increasing trends respectively. The main reason for higher child population is the high birth rate.

The recent fall in infant mortality has also added to the child population. This denotes higher proportion of unproductive consumers in our population and larger potentiality of future growth. Hence, it is essential to bring down the birth rate so as to reduce the percentage of non-productive con­sumers. The pyramid for age composition depicts broad base and pointed top.