Background
- According to UN population projections, India is expected to become the most populated country by 2050.
- The Economic Survey of 2018 points out that ‘son meta preference’ – the desire to have a male child – has resulted in 21 million “unwanted girls” in India.
- Imposing a two-child norm will add to the burden on women, by way of sex-selective practices and forced sterilizations.
The Population Regulation Bill, 2019
- The bill suggests that people with more than two living children should be “disqualified” from being chosen as an MP, MLA or a member of anybody of the local self-government after the commencement of the Act.
- The bill is seeking to enforce a two-child norm by giving incentives for those adopting the small family practice and penalties for those contravening it.
- It also suggests that government employees should give an undertaking that she or he will not procreate more than two children.
- It says those government employees who have more than two children on or before the commencement of the Act should be exempted.
- The Bill was not aimed at any religion, caste or community.
- The bill is intended to create a balance between people and the resources, human resources as well as natural resources.
Penalties
- Reduction in subsidies on loans and interest rates on savings instruments.
- Reduction in benefits under the public distribution system
- Higher than normal interest rates for availing loans from banks and financial institutions.
Source: Indian Express
