How serious is the problem with Indias population crossing the one-billion mark?
Today, India is the second largest populated country after China. If the present growth rate continues, India will soon surpass China. It is only now that the prime minister has taken a serious view of the problem and has set up a Population Commission to tackle the issue. If we continue to have a high population growth rate, it will only retard the economic growth. I feel a population of one billion is certainly a liability in the present situation. In order to make this a real asset or a human power, intensive efforts and multi-pronged attack will be required not only in family planning, but also in other key areas such as education, health and women’s status. What India really lacks is a human development index which can really help in analysing the extent of poverty caused by rising population. Can the new population policy help in checking rising population? The new Population Policy is very comprehensive and focuses on 12 strategic themes to achieve the 14 socio-demographic goals
