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. -=-