unitex@rubbs.fidonet.org (unitex) (09/16/89)
Measures proposed to reduce population growth in india Posting Date: 09/14/89 Source: UNITEX Network, Hoboken, NJ, USA (Xinhua News Agency, SEPTEMBER 11, 217 words, DATELINE: new delhi) In a bid to reduce population growth, the indian health ministry has proposed to stress on total family welfare program in the eighth five-year plan (1990-95), local press said today. minister of state for health and family welfare rafig alam told newsmen on sunday that the government had identified 200 districts in the country where infant and child mortality are maximum. a two pronged policy of infant care and family planning cover for younger child-bearing couples would form the basis for the coming years. the minister pointed out the illiteracy, poverty and religious taboos were main reasons to impede the reduction of population growth. india's population is estimated at more than 810 million. at present 45 percent of the population has been covered by the family planning scheme, the minister said, 95 percent of the population is aware of the scheme, and at least 60 percent of them is to participate in it. the minister also said that measures are afoot to educate the mothers to enable them to take independent decisions on birth control, without the interference of other family members. he emphasized that all personnel engaged in the program had been instructed not to force anyone into acceptance. it would be totally voluntary, he added. * Origin: UNITEX --> Toward a United Species (1:107/501) --- Patt Haring | UNITEX : United Nations patth@sci.ccny.cuny.edu | Information patth@ccnysci.BITNET | Transfer Exchange -=- Every child smiles in the same language. -=-