In a virtual meeting with States/UTs, the minister asked the Center and States to "work collectively to ensure that women are able to exercise their right to make decisions regarding family planning."
"The goal of Viksit Bharat can only be achieved when the health of Indian families is maintained well, which smaller families can achieve," she said on the occasion of World Population Day.
Women should not be "burdened by unwanted pregnancies," the Minister said, noting that "the goal of the family planning program should be 'birth by choice and by informed choice.'"
She also asked the Center and states to collectively address the "unmet need for contraceptives, especially in high-burden states, districts and blocks."
"Promoting healthy timing and spacing of births, achieving optimal family sizes, and boosting voluntary adoption of contraceptive options are crucial to nurturing healthier, happier families, contributing to our nation's brighter future," she said.
Furthermore, he also praised 'Mission Parivar Vikas' (MPV), one of the successful schemes of the National Family Planning Programme, which was initially launched for 146 high priority districts (HPDs) in seven high focus states, and later expanded to cover all the districts of these states and six northeastern states.
She highlighted the remarkable impact of the plan and underscored the significant increase in access to contraceptives in these states and the successful reductions in maternal, infant and under-five mortality rates.
"Making the districts the main focal point" helped reduce the total fertility rate (TFR) in the states as well as the nation, she said.
Cautioning states/UTs against becoming complacent in these efforts, she emphasized "working towards maintaining low TFR in states that have already achieved it, and working towards achieving it in other states," she added.
The Union Minister also lauded the tireless work and dedication of healthcare and frontline workers and various line departments in reaching the last mile in disseminating family planning messages and service delivery.
"The goal of Viksit Bharat can only be achieved when the health of Indian families is maintained well, which smaller families can achieve," she said on the occasion of World Population Day.
Women should not be "burdened by unwanted pregnancies," the Minister said, noting that "the goal of the family planning program should be 'birth by choice and by informed choice.'"
She also asked the Center and states to collectively address the "unmet need for contraceptives, especially in high-burden states, districts and blocks."
"Promoting healthy timing and spacing of births, achieving optimal family sizes, and boosting voluntary adoption of contraceptive options are crucial to nurturing healthier, happier families, contributing to our nation's brighter future," she said.
Furthermore, he also praised 'Mission Parivar Vikas' (MPV), one of the successful schemes of the National Family Planning Programme, which was initially launched for 146 high priority districts (HPDs) in seven high focus states, and later expanded to cover all the districts of these states and six northeastern states.
She highlighted the remarkable impact of the plan and underscored the significant increase in access to contraceptives in these states and the successful reductions in maternal, infant and under-five mortality rates.
"Making the districts the main focal point" helped reduce the total fertility rate (TFR) in the states as well as the nation, she said.
Cautioning states/UTs against becoming complacent in these efforts, she emphasized "working towards maintaining low TFR in states that have already achieved it, and working towards achieving it in other states," she added.
The Union Minister also lauded the tireless work and dedication of healthcare and frontline workers and various line departments in reaching the last mile in disseminating family planning messages and service delivery.
