UPSC Prelims 2005 Q143: Indian Economy – Human Development, Poverty & Employment Schemes
Consider the following statements:
1. India is the second country in the world to adopt a National Family Planning Programme.
2. The National Population Policy of India, 2000 seeks to achieve replacement level of fertility by
2010 with a population of 111 crores.
3. Kerala is the first State in India to achieve replacement level of fertility.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 1 and 2
- (c) 2 and 3
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (c) 2 and 3
Explanation
Population policy and family planning
| Statement | Verdict |
|---|---|
| 1. India is the second country to adopt a National Family Planning Programme | False: India was the first country (1952) |
| 2. NPP 2000 seeks replacement fertility by 2010 and a population of 111 crore | True as accepted by the key |
| 3. Kerala first State with replacement level fertility | True |
Statements 2 and 3 are correct; India was the first country in the world to launch a national family planning programme in 1952.
Answer: (c) 2 and 3.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. India was the first, not the second, country.
- (b) Incorrect. Statement 1 is false.
- (c) CORRECT. Statements 2 and 3 are correct.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 1 is false.
Key point
NPP 2000: replacement level TFR by 2010, stable population by 2045; India launched family planning in 1952.
Remember
Kerala was the first State to reach replacement level fertility.
Common mistakes
- Saying India was the second country to start.
- Forgetting Kerala's very low TFR level.
- Mixing the 2010 target with the 2045 stabilisation goal.
Exam tip
First national family planning programme: India, 1952.
Sources
- National Population Policy 2000
- Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India — Family Welfare Programme in India: Year Book