Question

Population policy of Rajasthan

Answer 1

The estimated population of Rajasthan in 1996 was about 5 crores, which would grow to 8 crores even if it were to achieve replacement level of fertility by 2016. With limited natural resources at its disposal, Rajasthan cannot afford the continuation of its rapid population growth, since it is not difficult to visualize the quantum jump in the demand for food grains, water and other basic infrastructure to just sustain this level of human population. Thus there is a growing consensus in the State that the declaration in the rate of growth of population and its qualitative improvement are among the key determinants for sustainable development of the State. To develop a meaningful approach to achieve these objectives, efforts have been made to develop a policy document, a state specific effective population program. Accordingly, the State Government has taken the initiative to formulate a Population Policy for the State, to set its own demographic goals and to specify the strategies and interventions proposed to attain policy goals and objectives. It has been realized that investments in the population stabilization program will have high rates of return not only in the economic sector, but in social and environmental sectors also. In this document of ``Population Policy for Rajasthan'', efforts have been made to evolve a practical as well as ethically sound and culturally appropriate holistic approach, with particular emphasis on ending gender discrimination and ensuring popular support to meet the objectives of the Population Policy. The policy document focuses on formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the Reproductive & Child Health Programme. It reflects the commitment of the Government towards the overall welfare of the people of Rajasthan.