Shri Ram Prakash Gupta, Chief Minister, Uttar Pradesh began by welcoming the announcement of NPP, 2000 and for convening the first meeting as the issue of population stabilization was a matter of serious concern for the country.  Uttar Pradesh with a population of about 17 crore was the most populous in the country. On 11^th July, 2000, which was being celebrated as World Population Day, the State of Uttar Pradesh  announced its Population Policy  with the intention of taking such measures as to keep it in tune with the requirements of the NPP.  The State of UP had a target of reaching total fertility rate of 2.1 by 2016 through improvements in the health infrastructure and by improving the quality of services presently being made available specially with reference to women and children.  Details with regard to various on going programmes were enumerated and the absence of contraceptives was mentioned as an important consideration in the effort of population stabilization.   Hence the private sector and NGOs were also being involved to supplement the Government’s efforts.  It is necessary that the support of all the stakeholders be obtained and the importance of the Panchayats recognized while working out the programme of action.   Milk cooperatives, agriculture cooperatives, industrial units, railway, post offices would all be used in this national effort.  Mention was also made about the constitution of a State Population and Development Commission under the Chairmanship of the Chief Minister in which the urban and rural areas and the private sector have also been included.  Mention was also made of the increased financial assistance that may be required for reaching the targets laid down.  An inspiration was taken from the National Population Policy and the State was desirous of reaching its goals by linking up its programme with every section of the society.

Dr. (Mrs.) Najma Heptullah, Chairperson, Rajya Sabha expressed her happiness with the holding of the meeting and stated that though we know the illness, we do not know the remedy as far as the issue of family planning was concerned.  Reference was also made about the China Policy and Kerala model of achievements.  The population problem was stated to be more serious than the Kargil war because the country had to wage a war against population explosion on a war putting.   Though the size of the Commission was large, it showed that there is a consensus on the issue and the Hon’ble Prime Minister had to take everybody into account.  It was stated that a lot of emphasis should be given to the rural population and the people sensitized through support of media.  Though the 73^rd and 74^th Constitutional Amendment had suggested number of steps, it would be useful to know what all the programmes had helped in achieving.  Focus on health, immunization and potable drinking water was necessary for improving the quality of life and steps should be taken to discuss the ‘myth of the big family’ being an asset to increase the economic status of the family.   Apart from empowering women, they should be educated and have the right to decide the number of children she should have.  As far as disqualification is concerned, the persons disqualified should be the ‘man’ and not the ‘women’  as women are often obliged to follow the decisions taken by her husband.   Mention was also made about the sonography tests.  A suggestion given that the Commission and the Health Minister may conduct a survey to know the “men-women relationship” in many States.  As far as the human development index referred to by Chief Minister, Madhya Pradesh was concerned, it was stated that the grass root survey alone could reflect the status position. 

Shri Prem Kumar Dhumal, Chief Minister, Himachal Pradesh began by congratulating the Prime Minister for holding a conference on the most important issue in the country and announcement of NPP, 2000.  Mention was made about the rate of success achieved by the State of Himachal Pradesh in the effort of population stabilization and the report of the National Family Health Survey which showed that total fertility rate of 2.97 in 1992 became 2.14 in 1998.  Information with regard to other indicators like CBR, CDR, IMR was also given to explain the position with regard to Himachal Pradesh.  It was stated that financial norms for provision of service related to population control should be determined keeping in view the topography and administration of health services which costs more in hill States like Himachal Pradesh.  It was stated that in Himachal Pradesh, efforts were being made to make this a people’s movement and often their participation. One Panchayat which performed outstandingly well would be given Rs. One lakh as special grant for development works.  On the issue of female literacy and high sex ratio of females per male, the districts would also be rewarded on the basis of their performance.  Himachal Pradesh had already passed a law that those having more than two children would not be allowed to contest Panchayat Raj  elections in future. He had supported the aim of Chief Minister, Madhya Pradesh and did not agree with Shri Bardhan that it is a coersive step.  He suggested that the two child norm should enforced for Assembly and Parliament elections also.

Shri Arun Bharat Ram, President, Confederation of Indian Industries welcomed the National Population Policy announced by the Government on the 15^th February, 2000 and felt that a proper mechanism was needed to implement the policy guidelines.  It was stated that in India, women’s bore the brunt as far as birth control measures are concerned.  There was now a need for improving & educating the men so that they can appreciate the benefits of small family norm.  It was stated that the corporate sector should be utilised not only for raising resources, but also for the state of the art, marketing skills, managing expertise etc.  The CII had already started many initiatives and have been encouraging companies to install condom vending machines in factory premises which could also have an access to the community.  The importance of the Chief Executive of the companies being conscious and committed was also dealt upon.  The CII wanted to motivate Companies to include the subject of family welfare in the social agenda of the Companies and take  steps to establish Child Health Centres in the industrial areas.  Focus would also be given to literacy and empowerment of women.  An effort was to be made to document success stories which could be disseminated amongst its members and to the population at large.

Shri Vilasrao Deshmukh, Chief Minister, Maharashtra began by congratulating the Union Government for setting up the National Commission on Population and for having refocussed the attention of the nation to this basic and vexed problem of unmanageable growth in population.  Maharashtra had adopted a population policy in Maharashtra this year and had set goals to reduce TFR from 2.5 to 2.1, IMR from 49 to 25 and neo-natal mortality rate from 35 to 20 by the year 2004.  It was stated that behavioural change was the key to the achievement of the goals.  The fortnight beginning 15^th August would be observed as “ Anti Early Marriage Fortnight ” as low marriage age at Maharashtra is both caused by  and is a cause for low demand for education for girls.  The State Government had made female education upto 12^th Standard completely free. In view of  several studies that showed preference for sons in Marathwada, a scheme had been started called  Savitribhai Kanya Kalyan yojana.  Mention was also made about the steps to be taken for increasing the contraceptive prevailing rate which was around 60 % and the proposed family welfare linked health insurance plan.  Reference was also made about the need to strike an optimal balance in the use of resources for primary, secondary and tertiary health care as also for the creation of infrastructure and availability of trained manpower.  Reference in the NPP about construction of maternity huts at village level, provision of atleast two dais in every village was a welcome suggestion. The suggestion for reviving the earlier system of licensed medical practitioners would strengthen the availability of medical service in rural areas.  As far as the tribal areas of Maharashtra were concerned, mention was made about the Navsanjeevini Yojana under implementation in some selected tribal blocks.  The various ongoing programmes with regard to improvement of the health service in Maharashtra were also referred to.  Maharashtra had a strong network of Panchayati Raj institutions and their cooperation were being enlised as also of NGO’s community based organisations etc.  The continued influx into Mumbai city was putting a strain on the infrastructure services and prevalence of HIV, AIDS, Hepatitis B-I required special assistance.             To improve the overall resources available for health care system the Chief Minister requrested that more funds may be made available.  This would assist the State in its effort towards population stabilisation.

Shri Purno A. Sangma, expressed his happiness that the nation has recognised the population growth as the most important problem after so many years.  He congratulated the Prime Minister for this initiative and thanked all the State Governments, Political parties, organisations and others who had responded very positively.  He stated that it was not merely the growth of the population that was a matter of concern, but, also the pattern of growth which was very uneven having serious political and financial implications.  Special attention needed to be given to the BIMARU states plus Orissa as had earlier been pointed out and suggested that we may postpone the delimitation of the parliamentary / Assembly constitution to 2026.  He suggested that we may have a small group to monitor these developments.  He also stated that in some parts of India particularly from the area he came, migration and infiltration from neighbouring countries disturbed the population structure of the North Eastern States.  Hence the Commission should set up another smaller group to look into these special problems of North East.  Thirdly he emphasised that this should become a people’s movement and cited a personal experience he had in Bangladesh recently in this regard.  Stress should be laid on education.

Shri Manik Sarkar, Chief Minister, Tripura, conveyed his congratulations on the occasion of the first meeting of National Commission on Population and mentioned that what had been enunciated was rather comprehensive.  However, certain issues required to be touched upon while announcing the policy on population.  Since ‘ human beings came on earth not only with a stomach and mouth to eat, but also had mighty hands ’ they should be assisted through education and other measures to develop themselves to the fullest potential.  Right direction should be given to planning for proper priorities to overcome the imbalances of different regions.  He stated that the increasing growth of population needed to be addressed and the required  programme was to take up radical land reforms which would help to solve multifarious problems of the country and society.  If we are to succeed we must help our people to be free from hunger, illiteracy and guarantee them potable drinking water, primary health care and ensure jobs according to their ability and capability.

Dr. Neena Puri, President, Family Planning Association    began by stating that the announcement of  National Commission on Population ‘was a feather in the cap of the present Government ’as this was a policy with a broader base which extricated itself from the bondage of targets and numbers and was not confined to family planning taken in isolation.   The growing understanding of the various linkages should be translated into action and we should find measures to see “ how we can streamline population concern into all levels of  a national development planning apparatus ”.  She mentioned that the Government, corporate sector and civil society needed to work in harmony to provide synergy and energy in the true spirit  with commitment through partnership.  Involvement of NGO’s on grassroot work should also assist in the process.  Family Planning was a tool not to constraint life, but to enrich it.    Emphasis should be given to simple low cost investments, through health education, growth, monitoring which could save lives of many children.  For child survival and the mother’s health today it was not necessary to think in terms of  finances, but rather to straighten out our priorities.  In this critical decade, the critical role that women could play in the quest for sustainable development should be recognised and they should be empowered to decide and plan the size of their families.

Shri Ashok Gehlot, Chief Minister, Rajasthan began by stating that he would not reiterate the points already raised by other members of the Commission.  In the sphere of education, Rajasthan had achieved only 38.5% and female literacy stood at 22% and the State had therefore taken bold steps to improve upon this position by opening 16,000 schools in the name of the late Prime Minister, Shri Rajiv Gandhi.  About 56,000 children had already been given admission.  As far as the efforts on the family welfare front was concerned, Rajasthan had shown its strong political will by resolving to debar such candidates from contesting the panchayat and municipal elections who had more than two children. He wondered why this a could not be done for the Assembly and Parliament elections also.   He expressed hope that the National Commission on Population would take suitable steps that would enable the right signals to be sent to the country.  Reference was given to the set back during the emergency but it was a matter of satisfaction that all political parties had gathered today to make the programme successful.  There was no alternative to this if the country had to progress.   It was also suggested that as far as Government servants were concerned, for any appointment and promotion, the two child norm should be made obligatory.  Moreover, just like birth and death certificate were being issued, marriage registration certificate should also be made obligatory.  This was the only way stop child marriages from taking place.  This was very relevant as far as Rajasthan State was concerned.  He expressed his concern about the closing down of Raj Laxmi Yojana which was very laudable scheme as far as the girls were concerned.  He requested that the matter be reconsidered and the scheme be re-opened.  Mention was also made of the State Population Policy and the constitution of the State Population Council through which all efforts would be made for population stabilization.  Finally, he made a reference to the efforts made by Rajasthan for the BPL families by a new scheme which had been started by them and medicare cards were being prepared for their free treatment.

Shri Narendra Mohan, M.P. began by stating that the NPP was an extremely good document   and that all States should follow this up by constituting  the State Commission and steps should be made to make this a people’s movement.  This could not be achieved only through official machinery.   Though 73^rd and 74^th Constitutional Amendment intended to delegate several functions and duties to the panchayats etc., very little had happened in this regard.  Until the panchayats were made a focal point, the family planning programme could not become a people’s movement.  As far as the slums were concerned, he wanted to know what the municipalities were doing and expressed hope that the municipalities may prepare a clear cut policy with regard to family welfare.  He further stated that he had information that many States had not utilized the funds on family welfare programmes.  Further more, the circulation of publicity material were being done in a language not being understood by the rural population and desired that these may be done in the Indian languages not English.  He complimented the Government for the constitution of the National Commission on Population but reminded that a lot of work had to be done before TFR of 2.1 could be reached by the stipulated time frame.  Apart from the Central Government, the State Government had a crucial role to play and expressed his happiness that the Congress party had supported the programme.  The family planning programme should become a national programme and should form a part of the election manifesto of the parties.  It was further necessary to improve the health care system as many people in the rural areas did not have the confidence about survival of their child, their education and empowerment, etc.   improved. Further, the mind set that if the family was large,  they would have more hands for earning a livelihood, would need a change.

Shrimati Sheila Dixit, Chief Minister, Delhi began by conveying her good wishes for the constitution of the Commission and the holding of the meeting.  Delhi had a growth rate of 5% a year.  Of this 3.7% was because of migration from Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan.  The NCR concept required to be developed.  She stated that the men needed to be educated on the benefit of a small family and the women to be empowered.  In Delhi, there were 600 dispensaries and 32 hospitals.  There were 13 or 14 hospitals in the pipeline.  But Delhi would still fall short of infrastructure unless migration was stopped from the neighbouring States.  She hoped that other States would also set up their State Commissions and this would become the people’s movement.

Shri P. Shanmugam, Chief Minister, Pondicherry  referred to the estimated population in the four regions of Pondicherry and stated that the annual growth rate was 2.7, mainly due to migration from neighbouring States and that 40% of the patients came from the States.  Pondicherry was,   therefore, catering to the requirements of the neighbouring States. Despite this, effective implementation of the National Health Policy over 15 years had ensured considerable achievements.  Reference was made to the education programme of the State and  the fact that close coordination between anganwadi and balwadi workers had ensured 100% immunization against vaccine preventable disease.  The Union Territory had achieved total fertility rate of 1.8.   Family planning programme was being effectively implemented.  However, there was a need to address unmet needs’ for contraceptives and importance needed to be given to the quality of the health care delivery.  Further, programmes for reduction of CBR, CDR and IMR required a thrust in the implementation of the RCH.

Shri Malaka Reddy, Health Minister, Karnataka started by congratulating the Govt. of India for formulating the National Population Policy  and setting up the National Commission on Population. He mentioned that it was in Karnataka  that the first birth control clinics in the world were started in 1930. Karnataka has done very well with regard to demographic indicators and should be bracketed with Kerala and Tamil Nadu, since the TFR has come down to 2.13%,  according to the latest NFHS. The Minister stated that they considered  improving the overall quality of life of the people as being  of prime importance. He advocated the integration of Health & Family Welfare Departments all over the country as has been done in Karnataka. In his opinion improving overall health and nutrition is essential for bringing about population stabilization. He mentioned that Karnataka has set up a Task Force for health sector reforms and drafting a comprehensive Health Policy which will include a Population Policy. In his opinion, the role of the traditional midwife has to be strengthened to meet the unmet needs. Karnataka is also considering giving the traditional midwife modern kits and an extra assistant to help her in her task. The Minister showed concern for regional imbalances and backward regions within otherwise developed states. He mentioned that Karnataka has started a pilot project for educating teenaged girls in personal/menstrual hygiene. Karnataka believes that the main determinants of good health lie outside the health sector – clean drinking water,  sanitation and literacy and therefore they are laying much emphasis on these aspects. Government of Karnataka has in fact given two PHCs to two NGOs to run.  Medical colleges are being encouraged to adopt a few PHCs in their vicinity. The Minister suggested setting up of a smaller representative group of Chief Ministers/Health Ministers and Health Secretaries for  periodical review and monitoring of the programme. He concluded by making a plea for including the man of the house as an integral part of the programmes and suggested that the father must find a place in the logo of the RCH  Programme.

Prof Alokendra Chatterjee, President, FOGSI drew the attention of the house to the large number of women who have an unmet need – there are 31 million of them. According to him the main difficulties are lack of access, poor quality of services, illiteracy especially of women and lack of male involvement, responsibility and support. He suggested increasing the range of contraceptives to include injectables. Prof. Chaterjee also stressed the need to promote a cadre of trained mid-wives. He concluded by assuring all help and cooperation of the Federation, which has strength of some 15,000 gynecologists.

Shri Kabeer Master, Health Minister, Kerala started by congratulating the Government of India for declaring the National Population Policy and constituting the National Population Commission. The Minister stated that the reasons for the success of the family welfare programme  in Kerala are the importance given to education (both for men and women), political awakening and commitment, social movements, women’s empowerment, employment outside the state and the country and substantial governmental effort and support to the programme. He mentioned that in Kerala, population regulation has been considered a human right - the right to chose the size and spacing of the family and to have the information and the means to do so. He recommended that in view of vast inter-state differences, one should have different strategies for different states. He, however, felt that the state should not exert any kind of coercion or force and let individuals decide for themselves. The health and welfare of women have to be considered right from childhoold up to old age and not only during their reproductive years. He also felt that involvement of panchayats in population stablisation efforts must be encouraged. Kerala has put all the health infrastructure from sub-centre level to district hospital level under the panchayat administration and given panchayats 40%  of the plan funds in addition to non-plan funds,  for maintaining these institutions.

Dr. Susheela Nayyar    stated that if we are really interested in population control we must lay emphasis on womens education and their employment.  Rules could also be framed  that anybody having more than two children would stand at a disadvantage while  joining service or within service.  As far as disincentives are concerned this would work if persons opting for one child are assured about their survival and are given opportunity for education.  Although the slogan till the other day was for two or three children, this had now come to one or two.  She suggested that she was in favour of one  child norm. This movement with regard to family welfare should not be confined to Government, but should become a national programme in which everybody should participate.

Shri Shekhar Bajaj, President, ASSOCHAM  began by stating that since  problem of population was more serious in the rural area in which industries do not have much role, he would recommend that he would prefer to work with ASSOCHAM with the four BIMARU states through their four chambers and along with the trade channel.  This is likely to be effective as they are closest to the customers and housewives.  He further mentioned that there should be some relationship between population control and job opportunities in the rural areas and the pace of migration of people into cities should be slowed.   He further stated that instead of  disincentives for people having more than two children, he would prefer incentives for those who have less than three children.  Moreover, since it is youngsters between 20 to 30 years of age whose future is more at stake, the Commission should have atleast 20 to 25 % youngsters who are interested in working in the rural areas.  He gave the example of the success of Infosys who had employed youngsters and empowered them and give them lot of responsibilities.  According to Shri Narayan Murthy this was an important reason for success.

Shri Alyque Padamsee mentioned that there are two major problems affecting us today – one is population explosion and the other is AIDS. Bombay has in fact overtaken Bangkok as the AIDS capital of the world. The condom is the greatest protector against AIDS as well as unwanted pregnancy. He talked of the need to make a commodity like the condom, not only needed but desired as well. He felt it was a challenge to design messages that will reach every village. We could take a few lessons from Bangladesh in this regard.   Mr. Padamsee  mentioned about a mobile rural quiz programme on family planning and health, which gives prizes to, couples who give the right answers. By way of conclusion, Shri Padamsee said that most of our programmes are one eyed (having one I) - the eye (I) standing for Ideas; but we need two eyed (having two Is) programmes where we have both Ideas and Implementation. He cautioned that if we do not win this war, all other battles that we have won, will be negated.

Ms. Jaya Jaitley felt that the National Population Policy has laid too much emphasis on health and partial emphasis on education, but there in no emphasis on employment and economic issues, which is essential if any input in the health sector has to be sustained. She voiced concern about child labour and migration, which arise from the unmet need for employment. Smt. Jaitley mentioned the need to empower the delivery mechanisms like Panchayati raj bodies and even anganwadi workers who are busy fighting a battle for better wages. She suggested that if 100 districts are being identified, one should select the 100 most difficult districts. She also suggested that sub-groups be formed, like for the North-east or the BIMARU states which should also include some other states so that the weaker states could learn from the experiences of better performing states. Youth, she said should be involved in our IEC efforts. She emphasized the need for, addressing men, patriarchy and religious patriarchy as also women’s empowerment. If we concentrate on economic development and education, poverty and ignorance, which are in fact responsible for breeding fundamental forces, can be overcome. Ms. Jaitley also suggested we encourage adoption and social security and insurance for families that opt for one child. Money for this could be raised by a surcharge in postal stamps. Innovative motivation, she felt would yield better results than disincentives. She concluded by making a commitment on behalf of the Samata party. She also committed to earmarking one column of the Party’s Newsletter for population issues and welcomed contributions to this.

Dr.S.Aruna, Minister of Health, Medical & Family Welfare, Andhra Pradesh reiterated  the commitments of the Andhra Pradesh Government to meet the challaenges that lie ahead in achieving  population stablisation and commended the Government of India for the National Population Policy and the National Commission on Population. Andhra Pradesh accords a very high priority to population stablisation and as will be noticed there has been a sharp improvement in all demographic indicators in the State. Andhra Pradesh was the first State to announce a comprehensive Population Policy in 1997. The State Government has in fact allocated Rs.65 crores from their own resources to implement this policy. The key strategy is decentralization of planning and programme implementation, thus making family welfare the peoples’ programme. They have established District Population Stabilization Societies and PHC and Hospital Advisory  Committees with  elected representatives and beneficiaries as Members. These bodies have been given both administrative and financial powers with a view to enhancing ownership  making the health and family welfare programmes more effective. Family welfare has been placed high on the agenda of the Janmabhoomi programme and health teams have visited every habitation at least 12 times in the last 3 years. The State Government has been particularly mindful in improving infrastructural facilities, filling vacancies in the department, doubling the budget for drugs and ensuring clinical and management training, to further improve the quality of services. 

            Amongst the specific interventions started by the Andhra Pradesh    are – round the clock delivery services at the 215 PHCs, social marketing of contraceptives and house to house survey to identify unmet needs for contraception. A new scheme , Arogya Raksha was introduced in 1999 to cover hospitalization expenses of family planning acceptors and their children. Sukhi Bhava another novel scheme provides every pregnant woman below  the povery line financial assistance if she delivers in a government hospital or PHC. One NGO in each district has been entrusted with running a PHC. 

            The Govt. of Andhra Pradesh feels that womens’ empowerment is the key determinant in lowering  fertility rates. Over 3 lakh womens’ groups having a membership of 50 lakh women play a vital role in population programmes as well. Focussed communication campaigns can  influence attitudinal and behavioural changes.   Strong political commitment at all levels has also greatly contributed to the success of the programme in Andhra Pradesh. The Government has debarred those with more than two children in contesting  panchayat, municipal and co-operative society elections. The TDP Party has also resolved not to allow persons with more than two children from holding any party posts. The Government is also considering giving preference for government  jobs to persons with two or less children and increasing the legal age of marriage. 

            The Minister made a plea for additional budgetary allocations, awards to Panchayats for good performance in family planning  welfare, incentives to families that care for the elderly in their homes, legislation to ensure free broadcasting of social messages at prime time in the electronic media and intervention of the Government of India in the compensation case of failed family planning operations.

Dr. (Mrs) Banoo J Coyaji, Chairman KEM  felt that formation of the National Commission on Population was the most important milestone in the history of the Family Planning Programme in India, since it will help to bring about the much needed inter-sectoral coordination between family planning, health, education, women’s empowerment, drinking water, sanitation, roads, nutrition etc. She considered the large size of the Commission necessary to mobilize widespread public support for the National Population Policy 2000. She opined that it would be necessary to have smaller sub-groups and also set up similar Population Commissions in States. She endorsed the reproductive health concept being followed by the Government which must now be seriously implemented. This helps move from a demographic to a quality of life perspective. This new approach should be a vital part of primary health care and will involve need based participatory planning with active community and panchayati involvement in implementation.  The quality of the programme, she felt, needs much improvement and must become more client friendly. The task at hand is too large and it needs the efforts of all - the Government, the private sector and most important of all the people’s sector.  The community, especially women must be brought center-stage and NGOs must be involved. She concluded by saying, in the final analysis, what all of us want is the same – a happy healthy, fulfilled reproductive life without fear of disease or unwanted pregnancy and a healthy productive life for their children.

Shri N. Ravi, Editor, The Hindu felt that any policy of disincentive, coercion or disqualification is best avoided since the advantages of a small family are very well known to all. Such a policy would give rise to discrimination and unfairness against some. He further went on to say that though economic prosperity, spread of literacy quality health care etc. are goals  we should strive to meet, we need not wait for ideal conditions to materialize to make progress on the population front. States like Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh have successfully used effective communication of the small family message. All possible communication channels have to be used – media, films, political parties, social reform movements, religious groups, NGOs and the whole of civil society. He suggested that a package of material that could be used for advocacy and for conveying messages, be developed by the Commission, since this is greatly lacking at present. He also felt that instead of projecting the bigger picture or the national scenario, examples closer to the ground need to be looked at and projected, eg. Effect of population on a particular family or village or town, rather than on the nation as a whole.

Dr. Shakeel Ahmed, Health and Family Welfare Minister, Bihar congratulated the Prime Minister for setting up the National Commission on Population. The Chief Minister of Bihar’s speech was circulated.   The Minister said that there were a lot of biases and misconceptions about Bihar and so he mentioned a number of indicators where the performance of the State was in fact better than Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. He mentioned that Bihar’s IMR is actually better than the national average. (He blamed the media for being biased against Bihar). He stressed the need to inform people of the dangers of a large family for the family itself, rather than emphasizing the danger to the nation. The Minister mentioned that Bihar Government proposes to install 5000 condom and oral pill vending machines in public places, which ensure anonymity. He also emphasized the need to reverse the trend and promote more male sterilizations rather than female sterilizations. It is necessary to sensitize both men and women in this connection. Bihar has decided to set up a State Population Commission. He concluded by voicing the need for political conviction towards population issues.

Dr. J. K. Jain, from Jain Television Channel offered the support of his TV network, which has a daily medical news bulletin at prime time. He stressed the need to build social pressure and create a demand for contraceptives, which people would consequently seek and pay for.  Social marketing could then be easily introduced. He suggested using the traditional rural haats (markets) and melas (fairs) for reaching out to the people.   Media such as TV, newspapers, wall paintings, hoardings and video vans should all be used. Messages and information could be put across through entertainment. The various departments trying to reach the people with social messages should work towards an integrated campaign. He felt Government should use professional media companies and NGOs for such media activities. He suggested that each district should have 3 vans each – one for publicity, one for clinical services and one for connectivity (teleinfo).

Smt Shabana Azmi, MP started by congratulating the Government for its Population Policy, which does away with coercive measures, disincentives, penalties, and it’s focus on women. She cautioned against the use of the words ‘population control’ which signifies that we have not yet internalized the concept of ‘population stabilisation’.  She indicated that she had strong reservations about legislation barring people with more than 2 children from contesting panchayat elections and getting benefits under Government schemes. Since women do not make decisions about the number of children they have, this kind of legislation will further marginalize women. She felt that one could consider incentives but not disincentives. We should look at the success stories of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra and Goa, which have not used disincentives. She suggested that each State and district should prepare a concrete Action Plan after following a consultative process, clearly stating their tangible, measurable objectives. Indicators to measure the outcomes must be carefully identified. Welcoming the National Population Stabilisation Fund, Ms. Azmi cautioned against getting trapped into bureaucratic hurdles and suggested a community controlled and managed Revolving Fund for purchasing drugs and emergency care. She also suggested setting up of support groups at the village level for female village-level workers of various departments. Communication strategies, she felt must be linked to services, because information without services can produce dissatisfaction. Hot lines, radio call-in shows are appropriate for providing accurate and confidential information. Combining several media also reinforces messages. Women’s health needs to be made an emotive issue, she felt. We should project facts like, the number of women we loose every year due to pregnancy related issues is the same as having 300 air crashes with no survivors. 

Shri Arcot N. Veerasamy, Health Minister, Tamil Nadu attributed Tamil Nadu’s progress in family welfare to the progress made in various spheres including the economy, social movements to increase the age at marriage, efficient management of health services,, improved quality of health care, effective IEC strategies and most of all due to political will and commitment. He was hopeful of Tamil Nadu reaching population stabilisation at 7.2 crores by 2010. He also voiced concern about reduction in Lok Sabha seats for Tamil Nadu in view of reduction in population and requested the Government to introduce a legislation, as proposed in the Policy, to extend the freeze in the number of seats in Parliament at the 1971 level, till 2025.

Dr. Pravin Visaria, Director Institute of Economic Growth highlighted the gains that have been made since Independence, with regard to IMR and TFR, which he felt should not be belittled. He drew attention to the fact that India has the highest annual increase in population, in the world. However, momentum of growth implies that population will continue to grow for another 50 to 60 years. Just as a fast moving train can not be brought to an immediate halt on applying of breaks, only by achieving RLF we can not expect our population to stabilize immediately. Dr. Visaria was of the opinion that the goals laid down in the National Population Policy with regard to RLF and population stabilisation are unrealistic. We might reach RLF by 2016 or 2021 only. He cautioned about accepting in toto the findings of the National Family and Health Survey II, with regard to TFR since he was of the opinion that there have been some errors in reporting. It is absolutely essential to reduce the inter-regional disparities with regard to basic health indicators like TFR, death rate, life expectancy at birth etc. He stressed the need for better rural infrastructure, especially roads, which will not only improve access to better health care but also help to hasten economic development. He emphasized the need to have compulsory birth and death registration if we want to enforce the legal age at marriage and use these vital statistics for community and panchayat recognition or awards.

Vaid Devendra Triguna, Padmashree made a plea to use the services of the Ayurveda, Unani and Sidhha medical practitioners in the delivery of family planning services since there are some 6 lakh of them, spread all over India. He mentioned that Ayurveda can play a very beneficial role in promoting the health of the mother and child through home remedies, diet and using herbs etc. He also felt that there is a important role that Ayurveda and yoga can play in contraception. He emphasized the need to implement decisions in a time-bound manner. Vaid Triguna suggested setting up of a Working Group for mainstreaming ISM.

Mr. R.K. Patnaik, Minister of State for Planning and Finance, Government of Orissa mentioned that the success of our family planning programme depends on child care, post operative treatment etc. Though Orissa has met with some success with regard age at marriage, CBR and CDR, unless infant mortality, which is highest in Orissa is brought down there will always be misgivings. He suggested providing RH services for adolescents and safe abortion. Families who opt for one child could be given some incentive like preference in jobs.  The Minister also informed that Orissa has debarred people with more than 2 children from contesting municipal and panchayat elections.   He closed by saying unless this is made a people’s programme, it is not likely to succeed.

Smt Sharmila Tagore  started by congratulating the Government for the National Population Policy which has moved away from a target approach to a more holistic and reproductive health and developmental approach, choosing cooperation over coercion. She felt that disincentive policies of some State Governments may be regressive and have adverse effects on women. She voiced her concern about State Population policies being different from the National Policy and how to reconcile this. She complemented the Government in appointing diverse people on the Commission and in the spirit of true partnership they should all be utilized effectively. She also felt accountability was the key to success – workers must be accountable to the people. Monitoring and impact assessment are essential.   We need tools to measure quality of services and not just quantity. Stressing the need for a public communication strategy, she felt we should use electronic media, radio, press and even a web site to reach the people.  The needs of adolescents, a neglected group, including messages to school going adolescents have to be taken care of.  Advocacy to reduce gender discrimination and sensitise men as supportive partners must be encouraged. She suggested establishment of a Communications Task Force and offered to be part of it.

Lt. Gen. J.F.R. Jacob, Administrator Chandigarh felt that the main problem in urban areas is in the slums. Though Chandigarh has an official population of 6 lakhs, in addition there are about 3 lakh slum dwellers. He felt that the cause of this lay in states from which these slum dwellers come – poverty and lack of opportunities in their home states attract them to big cities. Steps must be taken to reduce migration to cities. The reason why the slum dwellers have large families is because they consider children to be bread-winners and a security in their old age, besides not having any other distractions in the evenings.

Ms. Moshina Kidwai  started by congratulating the Government for this initiative and said once the political will exists, ways will be found to overcome the problem.  She felt the battle will have to be fought on 3-4 fronts – there must be political will, increase in female literacy, social awareness, provision of services by the Government and sensitization of men. She suggested using the 10 lakh women Panchayati Raj members for promoting the small family norm. She cautioned against making every issue a political issue, and suggested that all political parties should rise above party politics and work together for population stabilisation. She closed by committing the support of her party to population stabilisation.

Dr. Ranga, Health Minister, Haryana announced that on 14 July 2000, Haryana has set up a State Population Commission and soon they will be bringing out a State Population Policy. He suggested we set up Population Cells in Universities and use NSS and NCC volunteers and street plays for awareness generation in rural areas. He mentioned that Haryana has started 2 schemes – ‘Apni Beti, Apna Dhan’ and Maternity Benefit scheme to provide additional facilities to girl children and mothers. He suggested that all education courses must include a component on population and gender issues.

Dr. K. Srinivasan, President  Indian Association for study of Population was of the opinion that the target of achieving replacement level of fertility by 2010 was a very ambitious goal. Being a national goal much would depend on what progress the states make. So far Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh have their own Population policies with separate goals;  these will have to be reconciled with the national goal. He suggested that the Technology Misssion set up under the NPP should involve specialists and be headed by a management person. It should function like the Telecom Mission and use alternate mechanisms like corporations to help the backward districts reach their socio-demographic goals. Dr. Srinivasan also suggested the scrapping of data on Couple Protection Rate compiled by the Department of Family Welfare since it is based on old data, much of which was not correct. Instead he suggested we start afresh, based on another set of data like NFHS. Concluding, Dr. Srinivasan requested that the legislation to extend the freeze of seats in Parliament till 2026 be introduced in the current session of Parliament itself.

Dr. S Amonkar, Health Minister Goa  mentioned that Goa was the best performing state in the country – with regard to CBR, TFR, IMR MMR. The reason for this success is the unique pattern of low fertility below 24 years, late child bearing, and a mean age at  marriage of 24-25. Further, these features are common for both rural and urban areas and all religious groups too. The network of health facilities is very widespread and reaches the remotest habitation. Goa has 100% institutional deliveries and 100% registration of births, deaths, marriages and pregnancies. He invited members to visit Goa to see how things work there.

Dr. (Smt) Ragini Prem   introduced herself as a physician who has been working in a tribal area for the last 30 years. She felt that the reason why we have not been so successful in reducing our population is because there are great economic disparities between the rich and the poor. She felt that education, women’s development, health facilities are not only required to help population to stabilize but also because they are desirable goals in themselves and should be ensured even after our population stabilizes. Development must be consolidated and sustained. She felt that undesirable habits and loss of values will prevent us from progressing. She stressed the need for empowering Panchayats which can play a crucial role and having a clear cut demarcation of functions between panchayats and departments.

Shri Mianaltaf, Health and Family Welfare Minister Jammu and Kashmir said that inspite of the State being troubled by internal unrest for the past 10 years, the state has performed well and will continue to do what is required. He stressed the need to create awareness about family planning at all levels. He appealed to the Government of India to release funds due to the State under RCH and also for other programmes.

Shri Lalchamliana, Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Mizoram mentioned that his State is doing fairly well in the field of stabilizing population and TFR has in fact come down to 2.1. He however showed concern regarding the allotment of funds for rural development programmes being made only on the basis of population. The Vice Chaiman of NCP assured him that this was not so and population is only one of the criteria for allotment of funds, according to the Finance Commission’s report.

Ms. Rami Chhabra congratulated the Prime Minister and the Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission for bringing out the NPP and locating the National Commission on Population in the Planning Commission.  She appealed not to go back to the era of disincentives and coersion,  as it is not needed and there is already a downward trend in population growth rates. She cautioned against promoting the use of the condoms flippantly and not in the context of family planning, family values and family stability. In view of the contribution population momentum is going to make in future population growth, we need to promote education, skill building and it’s linkage with employment and we need to build up wholesome lifestyles and value systems, particularly with the youth. While appreciating the creation of the Population fund, she suggested the channelising of all funds including external aid through the fund to ensure economies of scale & synergy. She did not support extension of the freeze on Parliamentary seats because she felt it defeats the purpose of democracy. She suggested a Task Force to look at this in the light of the existing debate in the subject. Ms. Chhabra also requested  that higher allocations for basic social sectors like safe drinking water, sanitation, health care, education and housing be made to ensure that minimum human needs are met. She concluded by offering her involvement in the Commission. 

Shri Neiphiu Rio, Home Minister Nagaland said that Nagaland doesn’t have much of a problem with regard to population growth – the church and the NGOs are playing an active role in this regard. However, they have  problems regarding migration from Bangladesh and Nepal and a big insurgency problem. He felt that we should try and make our population an asset rather than a liability. He concluded by appealing to the Central government to help them build up their infrastructure.

Concluding Session: At the outset, Shri. K.C. Pant, Vice Chairman of the Commission thanked all the participants for their views and suggestions. He was very happy to find a broad consensus on the subject and learn what different States are doing. Shri Pant mentioned that a Strategic Support Group comprising Secretaries of the various concerned Departments, had already been set up to bring in inter-ministerial synergy and coordination. This Group has been very helpful in organizing this first meeting.  

Shri Pant announced that the Planning Commission will provide seed money of Rs.100 crores for a corpus for the National Population Stabilisation Fund. Contributions made to the Fund will be provided income tax rebate. 

He also said that in keeping with the suggestions of Members and in order to provide more focused and professional inputs for population stabilization, the National Commission on Population will consider constituting Working Groups / Task Forces, on the following subjects: 

a.       Unmet needs for contraception, maternal and child health

b.       Unmet needs of other social sectors like health, women’s development, nutrition, water supply & sanitation.

c.       Primary and Secondary Education in relation to population stabilization

d.       Registration of births, deaths and marriages

e.       Media for IEC and motivation

f.        Mainstreaming of Indian Systems of Medicines and Homeopathy

g.       Adolescents

h.       Mechanism for monitoring by the Commission

i.        Involvement of civil society, including industry, labour and NGOs 

In order to facilitate the composition of these Working Groups, Members who have an interest in any one or more of these subjects, were requested to   inform the NCP secretariat.  

He mentioned that the National Commission on Population would also look at the impact of various  programmes on the ground with a view to identifying success stories and gaps. Operations research and studies could thereafter be got conducted on inter-sectoral/cross-cutting themes.  

He also suggested that, in order to ensure optimal utilization of funds, releases of funds should be linked to performance, determined by incremental increases in key indicators. This will help to tackle the problem of bad governance head on. 

It was also announced that payment of arrears to the staff of the Family Welfare Department will be cleared by 31 March 2001. Funds will also be provided for supplies and equipment essential for  meeting the unmet need, like contraceptives, vaccines, drugs, tubal rings etc. either through re-appropriation or by providing additional funds.  

State Governments were requested to consider setting up State Population Commissions, presided over by the Chief Minister, on the analogy of the National Commission. These bodies could oversee and review implementation of the National Population Policy and the State Policy, where there is one. 

The meeting ended with the Chair thanking all the participants for their suggestions and active participation. 

NB:  Speeches of Chief Ministers / Health Ministers / papers / suggestions given by Members of the Commission are on the website of Population Commission (http://populationcommission.nic.in).