World Population Day: How India's population policies have helped
What's the story
Observed on July 11, World Population Day focuses on the theme 'Unleashing the power of gender equality: Uplifting the voices of women and girls to unlock our world's infinite possibilities' this year as set by the United Nations (UN). Ms. Mansi Madan, Marketing Faculty and In-Charge International Relations, JIMS Rohini, shares some insights on how India has significantly overcome population-related challenges in recent years.
Insight 1
'Free education until the age of 14 has been helpful'
"With the government policy provision of free education until 14 years, we look at children with educated and informed choices now. Maids and helps who work in and around our houses and workplaces, are using it to educate their children," reveals Madan. This has improved literacy rates, making mindsets more progressive that refrain from child labor and reproducing more kids to increase family income.
Insight 2
With 'Beti Bachao; Beti Padhao,' women are becoming more independent
"With the consistent focus on the 'Beti Bachao; Beti Padhao' campaign, the education rate in women is on the rise," shares Ms. Madan. "Research shows that the number of working women in all income segments is much more today as compared to earlier. This has empowered women to focus on their careers and personal growth, digressing them from their reproduction plans," she adds further.
Insight 3
The priorities of women have changed over the years
Indian women are no longer limited to just managing households. "Their priorities have changed from being married to being placed before marriage," enlightens Madan. "Women of today aren't hesitating in showcasing their skills and talents to earn and claim their space. We are noticing a trend where most women are delaying their marriage plans for further education and better placement opportunities," she states.
Insight 4
NACO has also contributed to controlling India's population
"National Aids Control Organization (NACO) has been consistently working towards eliminating the deadly, sexually transmissible disease of AIDS," mentions Madan. "Generating awareness on making conscious choices of involving oneself in a physically intimate relationship and not dawdling purposelessly has helped in great ways," she adds. All these collective measures have somewhat played a significant role in controlling population growth.
Insight 5
Bollywood, OTT, and social media have played a role
"Thanks to Bollywood, OTT, and social media for the awareness they created on all taboo talks. The primary being the use of contraceptives like condoms," shares Madan. Giving a few examples, the professor shares, "Films like Helmet, and Janhit mein Jaari have easily done what those government ads on TV and radio were trying to do i.e. to educate more people about family planning."