Population control
Zakir Husain, On e-mail
Thank you, Niherendra Nath Choudhury (DS, Sep 1), for your response. Indeed, if there is a single silent disaster, it is the uncontrolled population boom. Yet, this is being tackled by throwing money (borrowed from the World Bank and other donors) at the problem, thinking that this alone will solve the problem. No, it will take more, much more, than money, which is often not spent well enough. For example, all ministers and members of parliament of all parties should mention population control in all public meetings and rallies across the country and publicly urge peoples' support. That is one small step with big potential impact upon raising awareness and practice. It is a national issue of survival; public representatives at all levels have a duty they may not leave to the government officials alone. Secondly, literacy and employment, especially for the female population, are probably the biggest contributors to voluntary acceptance of family planning and good family health practice; both go together. Though full literacy will take some time, and full employment may be more distant, now is the time to start a mission driven campaign to get to those goals. A nation can and will reach those only if people begin to believe in themselves. Past experience throughout the world proved time and again that population control is more than technology and services; a comprehensive strategy and action to which all national and local public leaders are genuinely committed are essential. The choice is clear.
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