In 2050, India’s population is projected to be 1.69 billion, which will be higher than that of China.
Highlights of the Bill:
- More than two children – Disqualified from MP,MLA or LSG candidature.
- Government employees – submit an undertaking in this regard. ( Post facto implementation )
- Reduction in incentives – subsidies, PDS, higher than normal interest rates.
- Benefits to central and state government employees for sterilization operations.
Need for the Bill :
- Increased rate of population growth. ( Higher proportion of marriageable age population )
- Increased pressure on natural resources. For example, water demand will be more than 50% of what it was in 2000.
- Women Empowerment : son meta preference tackled.
- If not controlled, death rates likely increase.
Shortcomings of the bill :
- Need for human resources increase as the economy grows. ( more educated/skilled workforce )
- Natural receding of population growth due to education and development.
- China’s one child policy problems
- Gender Imbalance
- Undocumented children
- Dependent population increases in future. For example, Japan.
- Social Problems. For example, women abandonment, divorce, unsafe abortions, female infanticide etc,.
Conclusion:
As per National Family Health Survey data, the country-level TFR in India is 2.23, which is not hugely above the desired level of 2.1. However, need of the hour is better education and awareness rather than an iron hand policy to control the population.
UPSC CSE Notes 