Demographic Effects of a Large-Scale Sterilization Policy

THE emphasis given to policy for large-scale surgical sterilization of men and women in India today arises from her demographic predicament. The population of India has been growing at an annual rate of over two per cent during the period 1951-61 and it has been estimated that if the birth rate is not reduced, the population will increase to 492 million by 1966 and 555 million by 1971.