On the occasion of World Population Day, the government has called on citizens to work together to ensure good family planning choices. Union Health Minister JP Nadda stressed that both the central and state governments must collaborate to allow women to exercise their right to make informed family planning decisions and avoid unwanted pregnancies.
He emphasized that contraceptives should be made easily accessible, especially in areas with high population burdens, including specific states, districts, and blocks. “India’s population is one-fifth of the world’s population. This means we have a significant responsibility when it comes to population control. Sixty-five percent of India’s population is adolescent, which presents both a challenge and an opportunity. By sensitizing the young population, we can effectively manage population growth in the future,” Mr. Nadda stated at a World Population Day event.
“When I say family planning, I mean a healthy family and a healthy life. We can then take better care of our children. It is important to make an informed choice,” he added. He believes that the young population can play a crucial role in making India a developed nation. Additionally, he noted that well-planned families can contribute significantly to the country’s progress.
“We need to address the younger population on family planning properly so that in the future we are able to maintain consistency but also give better results as far as population control is concerned,” Mr. Nadda emphasized.
According to the United Nations, the global population reached 7 billion in 2011 and almost 7.9 billion in 2021. It is projected to grow to around 8.5 billion by 2030, 9.7 billion by 2050, and 10.9 billion by 2100. This dramatic growth is largely due to more people surviving to reproductive age, along with changes in fertility rates, increasing urbanization, and accelerating migration. These trends will have significant implications for future generations, as noted by the UN.
By making informed family planning choices and ensuring the availability of contraceptives where they are most needed, India can work towards a healthier future. This will not only help manage population growth but also contribute to the nation’s development and the well-being of its citizens.
