About Indian Association for the Study of Population (IASP)

The Indian Association for the Study of Population (IASP) is a professional association that brings together scholars and practitioners working in the fields of population studies, including demographers, economists, statisticians, public health professionals, development researchers, and social scientists. The Association seeks to promote research and scholarly engagement on issues related to population, health, and development. It also serves as a platform for discussing emerging demographic and public health challenges, engaging with central and state governments on population- related policies and programmes, collaborating with national and international academic and professional institutions, and facilitating dialogue on critical population and health issues.

To encourage regionally grounded research and policy-relevant scholarship, the Indian Association for the Study of Population regularly organises regional conferences across different parts of the country. As part of this initiative, the Southern Regional Conference will be hosted at the Population Research Centre, Institute for Social and Economic Change in Bengaluru.

The conference will focus on the demographic dynamics of Southern India, covering states such as Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana, as well as neighbouring regions. It aims to stimulate rigorous research, encourage knowledge exchange among scholars and practitioners, and promote informed discussions on sub-national population trends and emerging development challenges, with particular relevance for policy formulation, planning, and practice.

About PRC and ISEC

The Institute for Social and Economic Change (ISEC), located in Bengaluru, is one of India’s premier interdisciplinary research institutions dedicated to the study of social sciences and public policy. Established in 1972 with the support of the Government of Karnataka, the institute was envisioned as a centre for advanced research, teaching, and policy engagement on issues related to social and economic development. Over the decades, ISEC has emerged as a leading hub for scholarly inquiry in areas such as economics, sociology, political science, public policy, education, ecology, and regional development.

ISEC is known for its strong commitment to policy-relevant research and its active engagement with governments, academic institutions, and civil society organisations. The institute hosts a number of specialised research centres and programmes that focus on critical development challenges, including poverty, inequality, governance, environment, rural development, and urbanisation. Through highquality research, training programmes, and academic events, ISEC contributes significantly to informed public debate and evidence-based policymaking in India.Among its specialised research units is the Population Research Centre, Institute for Social and Economic Change (PRC), which is part of the national network of Population Research Centres supported by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. The PRC at ISEC undertakes interdisciplinary research on population dynamics, reproductive and child health, family welfare, ageing, migration, gender, and related development issues. The centre has made significant contributions to understanding demographic trends and health outcomes, particularly in the southern region of India.

In addition to research, the Population Research Centre plays an important role in monitoring and evaluating population and health programmes implemented by the government. These studies provide valuable feedback for improving policy design and programme implementation. The centre also collaborates with national and international institutions, and regularly organises seminars, workshops, and training programmes that bring together researchers, policymakers, and practitioners. Through these activities, the PRC at ISEC continues to contribute to advancing knowledge and strengthening evidence-based population and health policies in India.

Theme of the Conference

The theme of the Southern Regional Conference of the Indian Association for the Study of Population (IASP) - Demographic Transition in Southern India - draws attention to the profound demographic changes that have taken place across the southern states of India over the past several decades. The states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana have been at the forefront of demographic transition in the country, characterised by sustained declines in fertility and mortality, rising life expectancy, and significant improvements in health and social development indicators.

These demographic shifts have transformed the population structure of the region, leading to important changes such as population ageing, declining child population, shifts in labour force composition, and increasing urbanisation. Southern India has also experienced rapid progress in education, healthcare access, and gender-related development indicators, which have played a crucial role in accelerating demographic transition. At the same time, these advances have created new policy challenges related to ageing populations, changing family structures, migration, and the need to sustain economic growth with a changing demographic profile.

Despite the overall progress, important variations continue to exist within and across states, districts, and social groups in the region. Issues such as regional disparities in health outcomes, migration flows, urban expansion, and inequalities in access to opportunities remain critical areas of concern. Understanding these emerging demographic patterns and their implications is essential for designing policies that support inclusive and sustainable development.

This conference seeks to provide a platform for scholars, researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to examine the changing demographic landscape of Southern India and to discuss its implications for health, social protection, labour markets, and development planning. By encouraging rigorous research and interdisciplinary dialogue, the conference aims to deepen understanding of the demographic transition underway in the region and contribute to informed policy discussions that address both the opportunities and challenges arising from these transformations

Guidelines for Abstract Submission

A short abstract of up to 500 words should be submitted by copying and pasting the text into the submission box. Papers should primarily focus on issues relevant to western Indian states. Each registered author may submit a maximum of two abstracts. However, one participant will have the opportunity to present only one paper/poster in the conference.

The abstract should have the following sub-heads;

• Broad theme of the paper (sentence case)
• Title of the Paper (Bold, sentence case, preferably 10–12 words)
• Author(s) name(s) in italics with affiliation
• Background and Objectives (20%)
• Data and Methods (25%)
• Findings (40%)
• Policy Implications (15%)
• Font: Times New Roman, Size: 12
  

Online Abstract Submission:

Abstract Submission

Important Dates to Remember

Registration Fee 
Authors of shortlisted papers will be required to register for the conference by paying the registration fee. The details of registration fee and account details are as follows.

Mode of Registration Fee Payment 

Bank details for submitting the registration fee are as given below: 
Bank Name: Canara Bank
A/c No.: 0267101516126
IFSC Code: CNRB0008461 
Branch Name: Institute of Economic Growth, Delhi-110007 
A copy of the payment receipt should be sent to iasp.india@gmail.com 
Or by scanning the QR Code

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For more information, please send an email to iasp.india@gmail.com.

Please keep visiting our website, www.iasp.ac.in, for further updates.

Themes and Sub-Themes

About Bengaluru

Bengaluru, the capital city of Karnataka, is one of India’s most vibrant and dynamic urban centres. Often referred to as the “Silicon Valley of India,” the city has emerged as a major hub for information technology, innovation, research, and higher education. Over the past few decades, Bengaluru has grown into a cosmopolitan metropolis that attracts professionals, students, and researchers from across the country and around the world.

Historically known for its pleasant climate and green spaces, Bengaluru combines a rich cultural heritage with modern urban development. The city hosts several leading academic and research institutions, making it an important centre for intellectual and scientific activity. It is also home to a diverse population representing different regions, languages, and cultures of India.

With its vibrant academic environment, thriving knowledge economy, and dynamic urban character, Bengaluru provides an ideal setting for scholarly engagement and dialogue on contemporary demographic and development challenges.

Organizing Committee