Politics, Development strategy, and Family y Planning Programs in India and Pakistan

Abstract

The Indian government adopted a national family planning program in 1951 and the Pakistani government did the same in 1960. It was not until 1965 that programs in both countries got underway on a large scale. Despite Indias headstart family planning success was greater in Pakistan measured by both the IUD insertion and the sterilization programs. Pakistans superior performance was achieved without any of the natural advantages usually considered necessary for national success in family planning. The sociological and demographic variables associated with family planning were actually less favorable in Pakistan. The following aspects of the 2 programs are discussed: 1) history 2) local administration 3) delivery of services 4) politics and population policy planning and 5) the role of foreign assistance. During this period the government of Pakistan chose to encourage economic development at the expense of politics. The political and administrative characteristics which enabled Pakistan to carry out a more effective family planning program were the same characteristics of the political system which led to the forced resignation of President Ayub in 1969 and the political chaos that followed. During this same period India stressed its democratic political institutions at the expense of economic growth and forfeited a chance for greater success in its family planning program.