Blitz Bureau
INDIA has achieved a Total Fertility Rate (TFR) of 2.0, according to the National Family Health Survey-5 (2019–21). This meets the targets set under the National Population Policy 2000 and the National Health Policy 2017, which aimed for a TFR of 2.1.
Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Anupriya Patel said in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha. The Government has implemented multiple schemes under its Family Planning Programme to reach this milestone. Contraceptive options provided include condoms, oral contraceptive pills, emergency contraceptives, intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUCDs), and sterilization.
Additional options, such as the Antara injectable contraceptive and Chhaya, a Centchroman pill, have been introduced. Initiatives like Mission Parivar Vikas are focused on improving access to contraceptives and family planning services in seven highpriority states and six Northeastern states. Financial compensation is provided to beneficiaries undergoing sterilization. Post-pregnancy contraceptive measures, including Post-Partum IUCDs, Post-Abortion IUCDs, and Post-Partum Sterilisation, are also part of the program. Awareness campaigns, such as World Population Day and Vasectomy Fortnight, are held annually.
Union Minister Prataprao Jadhav said that 16,586 health facilities have obtained National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS) certification. These standards aim to ensure quality in public healthcare facilities. Recently, NQAS certification has been extended to Integrated Public Health Laboratories (IPHLs).
