India has achieved a significant demographic milestone with a Total Fertility Rate (TFR) of 2.0, as reported in the National Family Health Survey-5 (2019–21). Union Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers Anupriya Patel shared this achievement in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha, highlighting its alignment with the goals set by the National Population Policy 2000 and the National Health Policy 2017, which targeted a TFR of 2.1.

This accomplishment reflects India’s progress toward population stabilization, supported by a robust Family Planning program that includes various initiatives to ensure access to contraceptive choices and reproductive health services.

Expanding Contraceptive Options

The government has introduced an extensive basket of contraceptives under its Family Planning program, offering condoms, oral contraceptive pills, emergency contraceptives, intrauterine devices (IUCDs), and sterilization procedures. The contraceptive portfolio has been further expanded to include new options such as the Injectable contraceptive MPA (Antara Programme) and Centchroman (Chhaya), providing greater flexibility and choice to beneficiaries.

Targeted Programs for High-Need Areas

To address regional disparities, the Mission Parivar Vikas program focuses on seven high-priority states and six North-Eastern states, aiming to enhance access to family planning services and reduce unmet contraceptive needs.

Additionally, the government offers a compensation scheme for sterilization acceptors to mitigate income loss, encouraging wider adoption of sterilization procedures.

Post-Pregnancy and Awareness Initiatives

Post-pregnancy contraception options, such as Post-Partum Intrauterine Contraceptive Device (PPIUCD), Post-Abortion Intrauterine Contraceptive Device (PAIUCD), and Post-Partum Sterilization (PPS), ensure continued reproductive health for new mothers.

Awareness campaigns, including ‘World Population Day’ and ‘Vasectomy Fortnight,’ are organized annually to promote family planning and encourage community participation across states and union territories.

Strengthening Supply Chain and Outreach

The Family Planning Logistics Management Information System (FP-LMIS) ensures efficient management of family planning commodities across all levels of healthcare facilities. To further enhance accessibility, Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) deliver contraceptives directly to households under the Home Delivery of Contraceptives Scheme.

India’s achievement of a TFR of 2.0 underscores the success of its comprehensive family planning strategies, laying a strong foundation for sustainable development and improved maternal and child health outcomes.