India's family planning programme: a review
Seal, K.C.
Swasth Hind 18(1): 21-26
1974
ISSN/ISBN: 0586-1179 PMID: 12276893 Document Number: 333654
An evaluation pertaining to the achievement of the objectives of India's family planning program is presented. The general conclusion is that very limited success has been achieved in curbing the birthrate and in creating an awareness of the population problem and of family planning methods among the masses. A gap between knowledge of contraceptive methods and the practice of such methods exists. About 15% of reproductive couples use contraceptive methods, and the birthrate has declined by about 10% from its level of 41.7 per 1000 in 1961. The impact of the family planning program has been much less in rural than in urban areas. There has been an upward trend of age at marriage for women. Immunization and nutrition programs have been undertaken in family welfare planning centers, and treatment for sterile couples and recanalization of sterilized cases have also been given attention in order to emphasize that family planning is meant for family welfare. Equal status for men and women has been pursued so that couples will be content with a small family, regardless of the sex of the children.