As part of observation of World Population Day, Jansankhya Sthirata Kosh (JSK), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, organised a “Walk towards Population Stabilization” in New Delhi today. The Walk was from India Gate to Vijay Chowk which began at 7.00 am. It was flagged off by Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad, Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare in the presence of Smt. Santosh Chowdhary, Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare. 

Over 2000 students from various schools of Delhi participated in the walk to endorse their support for the cause of population stabilisation. The Walk was an effort to build momentum and raise awareness around issues like low female literacy, early age at marriage and early child bearing among a host of other challenges to be dealt with to address the issue of population stabilisation. Carrying placards with slogans supporting the cause of population stabilisation, students joined in to advocate for the cause. 

Addressing the flag off ceremony, Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad, Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare said the walk has been organized to underscore the importance of population stabilization at sustainable levels for overall socio-economic development. He hoped that the walk would be able to generate awareness and persuade people to have small family norm for the betterment of the health of the mother, the child and the whole family. 

As per 2011 census, India’s population has risen to 1.21 billion. The decadal growth rate during 2001--2011 is 17.64 per cent in comparison to 21.15 per cent in 1991--2001. The 2001-2011 period is the first decade with exception of 1911-1921 which has added less population compared to the previous decade. But states like UP, Bihar, MP, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh have witnessed high growth of population.