Impact of government policy on population change - Kerala in India

Managing Population Change

Main problem:

Kerala is a state of southern India which is highly dependent on agriculture and suffers from poor living conditions.  The area is highly populated which puts pressure on resources and has a negative impact on quality of life. The population of the region needs to be decreased. Life expectancy was only 48 years (in 1988) and only 14% of women could read.  This has changed for the better over the last 16 years due to new Government policy.

What has the Indian Government done?

A number of simple policies have been implemented:

• Education of Women

Literacy rates amongst women have increased to 55%. This means that they can get better jobs and wages. As a result, women have fewer children because they are more interested in careers. Also women are able to read and understand advice about family planning.  Therefore they are more aware of contraception available and are having fewer children.  Finally, because they are educated women have a greater role and lead within the family and can make decisions about how many children they want.

• Increasing the number of health clinics.

There are now more health clinics in Kerala than any other area in India.  Most neighbourhoods have good access to medical attention and supplies. As a result infant mortality has decreased as children can be treated quicker and receive inoculations. Therefore families are realising that they do not need large families in the hope some children will survive.  This has brought about a significant decrease in Keralas' birthrate. 

• Improving availability of contraception.

Free contraception and education about family planning has reduced the average family size in Kerala.  As well as reducing population growth it has also reduced pressure on the health centres so even more people can have quick access to treatment. This further reduces the need for large families.

What impact has this had on people and the population?

• 1. The population structure of Kerala has changed significantly.
• 2. Quality of life has gone up as the decreasing demand for services means there is more to go roundfor the people of Kerala, such as health care.
• 3. The role of women has changed. Better education means they have better access to jobs and can earn more money and make informed lifestyle decisions about family size for example.
• 4. The above policies have been successful in reducing population size and quality of life in Kerala.

D.Brewer 2008