Registered births in Karnataka drop 17% as more couples opt to remain child-free
Bengaluru: According to a recent study, Karnataka has seen a 17% decrease in registered births since 2012. The trend has been ascribed by experts to declining fertility rates, fewer marriages and an increase in the number of couples opting to remain child-free.
According to a report published by Deccan Herald (all names of couples in the report have been changed to maintain anonymity) , several couples cite personal, financial and environmental reasons for their decision. Avinash K, a 40-year-old businessman, and his wife Naina, married for a decade, decided against having children to maintain their work-life balance. “I cannot imagine what my stress levels would have been if I had kids,” he said.
Media professional Prakriti V, 37, and her husband shared similar views before marriage, citing high living costs and concerns over climate change. Engineer Ankur M and his wife Samantha said they simply felt fulfilled without children. “Having a baby just to meet family expectations would be selfish,” they said.
Ayesha Khan, 28, who has helped raise her siblings said she did not want to go through the physical and psychological toll of childbirth.
Sociologist Avatthi Ramaiah noted that urban couples face high expenses and limited support systems. “This will likely increase reliance on old-age homes in the future,” he said. Relationship therapist Sunil John called the trend a practical choice. “It is better than becoming unwilling parents and impacting a child’s well-being,” he said.
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Man arrested for for raping mute woman in Jamshedpur
Jamshedpur (PTI): One person was arrested on the charge of raping a 30-year-old woman with speech impairment in Jamshedpur, a police officer said on Tuesday.
The incident occurred in the Azadnagar police station area of the city, and a case in this regard was registered based on the statement of the victim's brother on Monday.
The victim had gone to fetch water from the premises of a company on Monday evening. When she did not return even after a considerable time, family members went out in search of her and caught the accused red-handed, police said.
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The accused was a caretaker of the company.
Deputy Superintendent of Police (Patamda) Bachandeo Kujjur said due to scarcity of water in the area, the victim used to fetch water from the premises of the company.
