(a) the total amount spent on conducting research in regard to control the population growth in the country during the Eighth Five Year Plan;
(b) the amount earmarked and spent for the purpose during Ninth Five Year Plan;
(c) the details of research being conducted by different institutions of the country in this regard;
(d) whether the Government have formulated a long term policy to control population in the country; and
(e) if so, the details thereof?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI A. RAJA)
(a): The total amount spent on Research & Evaluation during Eighth Five Year Plan was Rs.81.84 crores.
(b): The approved outlay and anticipated expenditure on Research & Evaluation during Ninth Five Year Plan was Rs.129.45 crore and Rs.114.02 crore respectively.
(c): The International Institute of Population Sciences, Mumbai and Population Research Centres in different States conduct socio-demographic research on various population related issues.
Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) conducts research on contraceptives and related medical concerns, while Central Drugs Research Institute conducts research on traditional remedies for contraceptive properties in the area of population growth.
(d)&(e): Government have adopted National Population Policy in February, 2000, with the immediate objective of addressing the unmet needs for contraception, health care, infrastructure and health personnel and to provide integrated service delivery for basic reproductive and child health care. The medium term objective of the Policy is to bring the Total Fertility Rate to replacement levels by 2010, through vigorous implementation of inter sectoral operational strategies. The long term objective is to achieve a stable population by 2045, at a level consistent with the requirements of sustainable economic growth, social development and environmental protection.
The Policy enumerates 12 Strategies along with an Action Plan to operationalised these strategies to achieve the goals as envisaged in the Policy.