A family planning miracle
Aiyer, M.S.
Health for the Millions 1(5): 2-4
1993
ISSN/ISBN: 0970-8685 PMID: 12288800 Document Number: 336471
1991 data indicate that Tamil Nadu has achieved zero population growth. This feat has been accomplished not through the efforts of a concerned and committed family planning program, but as a side effect of a statewide elementary school lunch program launched by the new Chief Minister in 1977. Anyone attending school was guaranteed at least one nutritious meal per day. Children attended schools, schools proliferated, teachers were hired, and students were educated. Many students ate only part of their meals, and offered the rest to younger siblings at home. The positive nutritional effects of the program therefore filtered to children both in and out of school. In addition to teachers, local women were hired to cook the meals. They were compensated for their work in both monetary terms and by taking some of the excess school food back to their homes for later consumption. Maternal and child nutrition benefitted from this program, while children, especially female children, stayed in school for more years than they may have otherwise. a healthier, better educated cohort of girls matured into young women capable of reading and following the prescriptions of widespread family planning messages disseminated by the Chief Secretary of the state who was obsessed about family planning. A functioning system of elementary education remains in Tamil Nadu which continues to influence fertility. The author believes that the success in reducing population growth in Tamil Nadu can and must be replicated in all states of India.