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Bill for population control in Delhi gets into trouble

Archna Sachdev in New Delhi

The Population Bomb is ticking away merrily. Will the Delhi Population Bill, which recommends stiff penalties for those having more than two children, be able defuse it?

"Yes!"

The optimist is ruling Congress MLA and Delhi assembly Deputy Speaker Kiran Choudhury, who tabled a private member's bill to this effect in the House recently. Choudhury asserts that such a 'path-breaking bill' is what's needed now.

''Delhi's population is touching 12 million. Civic amenities are on the verge of collapse. We cannot restrict migration into the city, but we can help check an unbridled birth rate. Enough time has been spent on awareness building. If we do not enact the Bill now, 10 years down the line we will realise it is the biggest blunder we have made,'' she said.

The Bill, however, is stiffly opposed by leading women's organisations. Representatives met Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit last week to protest against the "blatantly anti-poor, anti-women and violative of human rights'' measure.

Population and health policy experts agree with the activists, saying the Bill is 'unworkable' and 'out of sync with the current policy.'

''I am all for the small family norm and the people are also ready for it. But one cannot legislate for it. Education and awareness building are the only workable methods,'' says Rami Chhabra, a consultant on population issues.

In view of the strong opposition, the Delhi government, which had earlier indicated that it would adopt the Bill, is now wary of supporting it. Dikshit admitted as much to women activists.

Health Minister A K Walia, for her part, said the matter would be discussed by the cabinet.

UNI

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