Apart from government efforts, what more should be done to reduce population growth in India?
For many years, no one took the problem seriously. Today, when the problem has become colossal, all focus is being laid on resolving the issue. Every budget sets aside large outlays for social and human development. This year the government is focusing all out on family welfare programmes. Stress is being placed on the rural aspect, as it is more problematic. Migration into urban areas is resulting in stress and environmental problems. Every year, the government announces family welfare programmes, free supply of contraceptives and mass education, but these measures seem to be having no immediate impact on the population numbers. What India really needs to do now is to tackle the problem at the root level. Rural masses need to be made aware of the problems associated with large families and the benefits of having a small family. Population control is not just a matter of supplying contraceptives. People’s attitude needs to be changed. Education and exposure to mass media are the key fa
