Economics > Indian Economic Development > Comparative Development Experiences

Read the given text carefully and answer the following questions:

In response to the problem of rapidly rising population, China introduced the 'One Child Policy'. The policy restricted couples to having only one child. This policy helped China to limit the population growth. This policy led to significant consequences, such as an increase ageing population, gender imbalances due to male child preference, and social challenges for single children, etc. This policy was relaxed in 2015, allowing all couples to have two children and further relaxed to three children in 2021. Overall, while the One Child Policy achieved its primary goal of controlling population growth, it also created a complex set of demographic and social challenges that China continues to address today.

(a) Explain the consequences of implementation of the One Child Policy in China. (b) State any one reason for the implementation of the One Child Policy in China.