Women and the politics of population and development in India

Abstract

The aim of this article is to examine the validity of the assumptions underlying Indias population policy: that population growth has nullified development gains and that the most effective policy option is intensification of state-sponsored population reduction measures. Current population policies are analyzed in terms of their impact on women and found to be deleterious to women and development. Alternatives are proposed for population and development policy. The assertion is that Indias model for development has been a major cause of the present economic conditions: increased productivity rather than equitable distribution of resources and subsidies in public health and education for the poor. The proportion below the poverty line has remained unchanged since the 1950s. During the 1970s there was not enough money for public investment and poverty alleviation was replaced with opening up trade. Foreign debt increased political instability occurred in 1988-89 and lower crude oil production exacerbated the economic crisis. Although the 1980s had high productivity inflation was also high and economic opportunities remained the same. During this period women were the most affected. Illiteracy is still 66% of the female population and educational levels are low. 90% of the women engaged in the labor force are casual workers with low wages. Discrimination against girl children persists and maternal mortality is high due to poor access to resources recreated pregnancies and inadequate health care. The social conditions are not favorable to fertility decline. Family planning programs around 1975 and after have been coercive for women or without adequate health safeguards. The example of Tamil Nadus fertility decline shows the failures of both development and family planning. The lack of provision for reproductive health care and general health care is seen as a failing. Integration of services has meant fewer resources are directed to women. Service providers are inadequately trained. Target setting has resulted in unethical practices. The focus on population size has been misleading. An attitude change is required and changes in strategy implementation and expenditure allocation are needed. The negative family planning program image must be changed. Quality of information and care should be the target within a national strategy.