India has achieved a Total Fertility Rate (TFR) of 2.0, as per the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) conducted between 2019 and 2021, marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to stabilize population growth. This achievement aligns with the goals set forth in the National Population Policy 2000 and the National Health Policy 2017, which aimed for a TFR of 2.1, considered the replacement level of fertility.

Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Anupriya Patel, highlighted the government’s continued efforts to sustain this progress. Central to this mission are initiatives to raise awareness about healthy pregnancy spacing and timing, ensure access to comprehensive family planning services, and support state-specific needs through the Programme Implementation Plan (PIP).

The government’s National Family Planning Programme is under constant review through mechanisms like the Common Review Mission (CRM), National Programme Coordination Committee (NPCC) meetings, and field monitoring visits. The findings of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) also play a crucial role in guiding policies and strategies.

Expanding contraceptive choices remains a key strategy in addressing population control. Beneficiaries can now access a wider range of options, including condoms, combined oral contraceptive pills, emergency contraceptive pills, intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUCD), and sterilization procedures. To cater to diverse needs, the contraceptive basket has been further enhanced with newer options like Injectable contraceptive MPA (Antara Programme) and Centchroman (Chhaya).

Mission Parivar Vikas, a targeted initiative implemented in seven high-focus states and six northeastern states, has been pivotal in improving access to family planning services in underserved regions. Financial compensation schemes for sterilization acceptors are also in place to address the potential loss of wages incurred during the process.

Post-pregnancy contraception measures have been integrated into healthcare services, offering beneficiaries solutions like Post-Partum Intrauterine Contraceptive Devices (PPIUCD), Post-Abortion Intrauterine Contraceptive Devices (PAIUCD), and Post-Partum Sterilization (PPS). The government’s annual awareness campaigns, including the "World Population Day Campaign" and "Vasectomy Fortnight," further amplify the reach and impact of these initiatives.

Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) play a vital role in the Home Delivery of Contraceptives Scheme, ensuring that contraceptives reach remote areas. Additionally, the Family Planning Logistics Management Information System (FP-LMIS) streamlines the supply and availability of family planning commodities across all health facilities.

Through these comprehensive measures, the government remains committed to maintaining replacement-level fertility while addressing regional disparities. India’s achievement of a TFR of 2.0 reflects the success of sustained efforts in family planning and population control, setting the stage for healthier futures and more balanced demographic growth.