What are features of NPP 2000 and also the current scenario and resources related to this policy
Answers
# To provide mandatory free education for all children below the age of 14 years.
# To avoid unwanted pregnancies and prevent diseases that are sexually transmitted.
# To delay the age for marriage for girls.
# To bring down the mortality rate to less than 30 for every 100 live births.
The significant features of the NPP or National Population Policy 2000 are:
1. To provide adequate contraceptives.
2. To provide health care infrastructure for basic reproductive and child health care.
3. To reduce the level of Infant mortality rate or IMR, Total fertility rate or TFR and measles, mumps and rubella or MMR.
4. To prevent communicable diseases from spreading.
5. To provide free and compulsory education up to 14 years.
6. Promote the idea of delayed marriage for girls.
7. Promote the small family norm.
Current scenario
The government has adopted a number of measures related to it.
1. Article 21A provides the Right to Education.
2. To meet the demands the National Population Stabilization Fund has been set up.
3. Programmes like Midday meal, ICDS, National rural health mission, and Janani suraksha yojana have been taken up.
4. Free contraceptives and sterilization methods have been provided.
Polio immunization has been successful. However, there have been failures in reducing IMR and Fertility rates. There have been a number of deaths due to faulty sterilization and some objectives have not been achieved in the rural areas.