Established by the United Nations Development Programme in 1989 the world population day is inspired by the public interest in Five Billion Day on July 11, 1987, approximately the date on which the world’s population reached five billion people. According to the UN Development Programme the world population, at present, is over 7 billion and expected to increase up to 10.9 billion by the year 2050.
In Assam, a series of programmes marking the World Population Day began today, it will continue for a fortnight in various parts of the state. Assam has a population of around 3 crore and 12 lakh. A National Rural Health mission official said the ocassion in being utililized to create awareness on the importance of family planning, maternal health, gender equality and human rights.
The health authorities have planned a series of programs to educate the masses about population explosion and ways to check it. AIR correspondent reports, advocacy meetings, street plays, Focus group discussions are being held across the state. Family planning methods of No-scalpel vasectomy and tubectomy are also being highlighted.
In Rajasthan, a massive plantation campaign was organized, at eleven on Monday morning planting eleven lakh plants. The main function was organized at Jaipur. AIR correspondent reports, 5 lakh 50 thousand scouts, guides and rovers planted plants at schools and other places across the state.In Nagaland the Department of Health and Family Welfare organized a programme in Kohima on the theme ‘Small Family- Overall Development’.
Speaking at the inaugural function at the State Academy Hall, the Minister for Urban Development and Higher Education Dr. Shürhozelie said said a slower growth of population will benefit all aspects of development and stabilizing population growth is an essential requirement for development of a sustainable economy. The Minister suggested that a comprehensive State Specific strategy towards attainment of the National Socio-Demographic Goals 2008 to be formulated and adopted by the State.