The idea of population control legislation in India has become irrelevant in the light of demographic changes highlighted by the NFHS-5. Critically examine.

National Family Health Survey (NFHS) is a large-scale, multi-round survey conducted in a representative sample of households throughout India by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

The NFHS-5 highlights several demographic changes in India, such as:

• Lowering of total fertility ratio to 2.0.
• Higher sex ratio.
• Higher number of youth population.
• Low child sex ratio (929) highlighting low number of girls in future.

Due to reduction in TFR to 2.0, Population is expected to stabilize in the near future.

In this respect, population control legislations are less of need as:

• Aggressive population control mechanisms will cause low labour population in future.
• It may lower TFR even more, which can become problematic as seen in the case of China.
• Such legislation will divert attention and funds to a less necessary cause than immediate issues.

But as the TFR of few states like Rajasthan, UP, Bihar, MP, Assam, etc is still greater than 2.0, demographic policies cannot be completely neglected.

Therefore balanced measures are needed, such as:

• Promote population control but by Socio-economic development.
• No strict population control legislation must be at place.
• Promote nutrition, health, prenatal care in population policy.

Thus demographic policies in India need to be more comprehensive and inclusive.

Topics: GS-I : Salient Features of Indian Society, Diversity of India • GS-II: Social Sector Services Health