Bengaluru Unveils First Digital Population Clock at ISEC

On Friday, November 8, Bengaluru marked a milestone with the inauguration of its first digital population clock at the Institute for Social and Economic Change (ISEC). This innovative installation will display real-time population estimates for both Karnataka and the entire country, providing citizens, researchers, and policymakers with up-to-date demographic data. 

Key Features of the Population Clock

Strategic Placement 

• Positioned at the entrance of ISEC to engage and inform the public on India’s rapid population growth.

Real-Time Updates 

Provides continuous updates,

• Karnataka’s Population: Refreshes every 1 minute and 10 seconds.
• India’s Population : Updates every 2 seconds.

Demographic Data Calculation

Incorporates key demographic indicators, including,

• Birth and death rates
• Migration patterns
• Life expectancy, fertility, and mortality rates

Global vs. National Clocks 

• This clock is country-specific, focusing on national and state-level data, unlike global population clocks that track worldwide population trends.

Project Collaboration and Objectives

Collaborating Bodies

• Jointly developed by ISEC and the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW).

National Project

• Part of a broader MoHFW initiative to install population clocks at 18 Population Research Centres (PRCs) across India.

Primary Objectives

• Increase public awareness of population growth’s impact on sustainable development.
• Provide accurate, up-to-date data for research on demographic trends.
• Support researchers and policymakers in understanding population dynamics.

Census Data Research Workstation at ISEC

Purpose

• Offers researchers and students access to comprehensive census data to facilitate demographic studies.

Capabilities

• Equipped with advanced software and analytical tools for in-depth population analysis.
• Supports detailed examinations of population trends to aid policy and development planning.

About Population Research Centres (PRCs)

Establishment

• Created by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.

Mandate

• Conduct research and provide insights to support Health and Family Welfare Programs and Policies.

Research Focus

• Family planning and demographic trends
• Biological and qualitative studies on population control

Research Objectives

• Understand population dynamics.
• Evaluate family planning program effectiveness.
• Identify key factors influencing fertility and mortality rates.
• Develop recommendations to inform policy and program implementation.

Activities and Contributions of PRCs

Research Activities

• Conduct original studies on population and health.
• Analyze demographic data and existing literature.
• Publish and present research findings.
• Collaborate with researchers and institutions in relevant fields.

Technical Support

• Provide expertise to government agencies and NGOs.

Network

• Comprises 18 PRCs nationwide, based in universities and research institutes.

Contributions to Policy and Program Development

• Policy and Program Support: PRCs play a critical role in shaping family welfare and health policies.
• Evidence-Based Research: Strengthen the foundation for effective population and health interventions.
• Capacity Building: Enhance the skills and capabilities in population research and analysis across India.