New Delhi: The Government has identified 146 districts from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Assam, to be targeted for population control drive. These districts’ TFR (Total Fertility Rate per Woman) is more than three and adds 28% to the total population.
“These 146 districts are an obstacle in population stabilisation (sic),” Union health minister J P Nadda said. High fertility rates are directly proportional to maternal as well as infant mortality rates. This contributes for 25-30% of maternal deaths and 50% of infant deaths, a TOI report reveals.
Apart from population stabilisation, the programme also aims to reduce maternal and infant mortality.
“The greater the TFR, the more will be the MMR and IMR. Hence, reducing TFR would lead to decrease in maternal mortality and morbidity and infant mortality and morbidity,” Nadda said.
‘Mission Parivar Vikas’ launched by the health ministry will also distribute a kit containing products of family planning and personal hygiene for newlywed couples.
A health Ministry official said that the kits will be distributed by ASHA workers to encourage inter-spousal communication and consensual decision making with regards to their reproductive and sexual health. Saas-Bahu Sammelans” will also be organised to reduce the gap between mother and daughter-in-law.
Besides, special buses called “Saarthi-Awareness on Wheels” will travel through these districts to generate awareness about condoms and pills as well as to sensitise the community and disseminate family planning messages.