Question : NATIONAL POPULATION POLICY

(a) whether the Government have convened a meeting of State Health Secretaries and Directors-in-charge of family welfare to work out the modalities of nationalization of the National Population Policy;

(b) if so, the facts thereof;

(c) the suggestions made and decisions taken therein;

(d) whether the Government propose to invite Private Sector participation in stabilizing the population growth;

(e) if so, the details thereof; and

(f) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to check population growth?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (PROF. RITA VERMA)

(a) to (f) A statement is laid on the Table of the House.

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION N0.50 DATED 24th JULY, 2000 REGARDING NATIONAL POPULATION POLICY BY SHRI SADASHIVRAO DADOBA MANDLIK, DR. RAMESH CHAND TOMAR, SHRI R.L. BHATIA, SHRIMATI SHYAMA SINGH, SHRI ANANT GUDHE AND SHRI PRABHAT SAMANTRAY,

(a)to(c) A meeting of the State Secretaries in charge of Family Welfare in States/UTs was held on 1st and 2nd June, 2000 to review the implementation of the National Family Welfare Program in the country. While discussing the National Population Policy, 2000, the objectives and goals contained in the Policy were explained.

It was emphasized in the meeting that inter-sectoral coordination for implementation of the National Population Policy for population stabilisation is required. The States were requested to initiate immediate action on the different strategic themes as well as the operational strategies listed in the National Population Policy, 2000.

(d)&(e) A Seminar on `Population and Development: Prospects for Private-Public Partnership` was organised jointly by Government of India, Confederation of India Industries (CII) and UNFPA, on World Population Day, 11th July, 2000, to enlist the commitment for the non-Government sector and the Private Corporate Sector to supplement efforts of Government particularly for increasing coverage and outreach of services.

(f) The following steps have been taken by Government under the National Family Welfare Program to stabilize the growth in population:


(i) An integrated and holistic program of Reproductive and Child Heath that includes Maternal Health, Child Health and Contraception issues was launched in October, 1997.

(ii) Information, Education and Communication Program to create awareness about the benefits of small family.

(iii) Assistance to States/UTs to maintain certain family welfare infrastructure.

(iv) Assistance to Voluntary Organizations and NGOs for creating awareness about schemes under family welfare program.

(v) To implement Action Plan given in the National Population Policy,