Regulating reproduction in India's population ; efforts, results and recommendations

India has a very large population of over 900 million people which is growing at the rate of 2 per cent per year and is likely to cross the bill ion mark by the end of the century. One-sixth of the world's people reside in India and what happens here in demographic terms will have a strong impact on the global scene. What is baffling about India's population growth is that India was almost the first country to officially recognise the problems arising from high fertility and to launch a family planning programme in the early fifties. However, despite the existence of a strong commitment to control population growth and despite substantial expenditure in this behalf over the last four decades, the results have not been commensurate with the inputs. Indeed, countries which have launched family planning programmes later have achieved better results.

This holistic study examines the nature of the efforts that have been put into the Indian family planning programme, the results achieved at state and national levels, and the implications of a few successful experiences within the country that may help make the programme more effective. Based on data collected from censuses, official statistics and surveys carried out at different times and in different parts of the country on fertility, family planning and related factors, Dr Srinivasan analyses in detail the levels, trends and differentials in fertility and contraceptive use. He utilises statistical methods which are easy to understand and are explained along sociological principles.

The author also presents case studies of three Indian states-Goa, Kerala and Tamil Nadu to illustrate how they have achieved the transition to low levels of fertility. Dr Srinivasan provides a balanced view of the effects of modernisation and female literacy on family planning and, in conclusion, makes policy recommendations which could be crucial at this stage of India's demographic transition.

This study is a must for students and researchers in population studies and demography and all those keen to see the fertility of India's population drop to a level consistent with any modern state.