by India has implemented several population policies and programmes since its independence in 1947 to control the population growth rate and address the issues associated with a rapidly growing population.
These policies and programmes have contributed significantly to the population control and improvement of the health and well-being of the population in India. However, there are still several challenges and issues that need to be addressed to achieve sustainable population growth and development.
Some of the major policies and programmes are discussed below:
- National Population Policy (2000): The National Population Policy (NPP) was launched in 2000 to address the issue of population growth in India. The policy aims to achieve a stable population by 2045, through a focus on reproductive health, family planning, and population education. It also aims to provide better maternal and child health care, reduce infant and maternal mortality rates, and increase the availability of contraceptive methods.
- Family Planning Programme: The Family Planning Programme was started in 1952 to encourage people to have small families and to control population growth. The programme provides education and counselling on reproductive health, contraception, and family planning methods, including sterilization, intrauterine devices, and oral contraceptives. The programme is implemented through a network of health centres, hospitals, and community health workers.
- National Rural Health Mission: The National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) was launched in 2005 to provide better health care services to the rural population of India. The programme aims to strengthen the health infrastructure in rural areas, improve maternal and child health, and reduce the mortality rates of newborns and infants.
- Janani Suraksha Yojana: The Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) was launched in 2005 to provide financial assistance to pregnant women from below poverty line families for institutional delivery and postnatal care. The programme aims to promote institutional deliveries and reduce maternal and infant mortality rates.
- Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana: The Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY) was launched in 2008 to provide health insurance coverage to the unorganized sector workers and their families. The programme aims to provide financial protection to the poor and vulnerable sections of the population and to reduce the out-of-pocket expenses on health care.
- Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana: The Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) was launched in 2017 to provide financial assistance to pregnant and lactating women for their health and nutrition needs. The programme aims to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates and to promote the health and well-being of women and children.
- Beti Bachao Beti Padhao: The Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) programme was launched in 2015 to address the issue of declining child sex ratio in India. The programme aims to promote the education and empowerment of girls, prevent gender-biased sex selection, and ensure the survival and protection of the girl child.
- National Urban Health Mission: The National Urban Health Mission (NUHM) was launched in 2013 to provide better health care services to the urban population of India. The programme aims to strengthen the health infrastructure in urban areas, improve maternal and child health, and reduce the mortality rates of newborns and infants.
