The topic of the debate is that "Strict family planning measures alone is key to population stabilization". I stand here to oppose this motion. It is true that unchecked population growth has become a big problem for a poor developing country like India. Our population has already crossed one billion mark. In 1981-91 the growth rate of population in India was 2.11 per cent. India is the most populous country after China population, as we can see in the chart also.

So, no one can deny that we need to take urgent steps for controlling our population. But, it is totally wrong to suggest that the aim of population stabilization can be achieved only by strict methods. I strongly believe and advocate that this laudable aim can be achieved and should be achieved by using democratic and educational methods. The so-called strict methods are not only unnecessary but may also prove to be counter-productive.

First, let us not take a one-sided view of population growth and treat population only as a problem. In fact, the purpose of all development programs is to improve the lives of our population. It is also possible to view population as a resource. The increase in population has been because of several positive factors such as decline in death rate including infant mortality and increase in life expectancy as you can see in these charts. So, there is no need to take an alarmist view. The only thing is that we need to control our birth rate.

The supporters of "strict" methods often cite the example of China, which according to them is a "success story" in this regard. Such people forget that India is a democratic country, whereas China is a communist dictatorship. China cannot be a model for democratic India. The constitution of India has given the Indian citizens certain fundamental rights. Therefore, Indian parliament cannot make any law, which violates the fundamental rights of the citizens. Similarly any order by the government, which violates the fundamental rights of the citizens, can be challenged in the court of law. The Indian Family planning program will have to function within this framework.

Besides, in India we have elected governments, which have to face general elections from time to time. Thus, no government can afford being insensitive to popular sentiments because this could lead to its being thrown out of power. Therefore, I repeat once again that China cannot be a model for democratic India.

Let us turn our attention to our own experiment with "strict methods". What happened during the Emergency of 1975? In some parts of the country family planning was sought to be promoted by forcible sterilization. This much-hated program was one of the causes, which led to the defeat of Mrs. Indira Gandhi in 1977 elections. Such steps could be taken during the emergency only because the fundamental rights of the citizens had been suspended. The net result of this "strict method" was that "family planning" became a dirty word and our population control program suffered a setback. As a result a more liberal family welfare scheme was introduced in 1977, which clearly mentions that no coercion will be used in promoting small families. The main features of the policy are shown in this chart.  Therefore, I strongly maintain that "strict methods" for controlling our population is neither possible nor desirable. In fact, it will be counter-productive.

It is often said that development is the best contraceptive. More particularly, I say that family planning can be best promoted by encouraging literacy and education. If primary education becomes universal and school children are educated about the need for small families that will be the best method for controlling population. Besides, all democratic, educational and non-coercive means can be used for promoting small family norm and providing information about various family planning methods. Kerala's example is a case in point. According to 1991 census among all Indian states the literacy rate was highest and the birth rate lowest in Kerala. As you can see from this chart 1991 Kerala had the highest literacy rate of 98.81% and the lowest birth rate of 13.98%. It is clear that Kerala has achieved better results in the sphere of family planning because of high literacy rate.

This connection between literacy and decline in birth rate can also be demonstrated by the example of Bihar. As you can see in this chart from 1981 onwards the literacy rate has increased in Bihar whereas the birth growth rate has gone down.

Thus, I conclude that we do not need strict methods for controlling population. Democratic and educational means alone is key to population stabilization.