TFR of 2.2 must to sustain population: S Ranjan
Important to stop influx instead of scrutinising reproductive system: Prof MC Arun
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 11 2022: While cautioning that below 1.8 Total Fertility Rate (TFR) is critical for the society, health minister Dr Sapam Ranjan has stressed the need to maintain a minimum of TFR 2.2 in order to sustain the population of any society.

The minister shared his opinion on the population equation in the state during the World Population Day observance organised jointly by State Health Society, National Health Mission and Directorate of Health and Family Welfare under the theme 'Adopt family planning measures and write a new chapter of progress' at IMA Hall, Lamphelpat, here on Monday.

Speaking as chief guest of the event, Dr Ranjan deliberated on importance of the observance in order to create awareness among the general population about the negative impact of overpopulation.

At the same time, it is important to have accurate population data for formulation of policies, he said, adding that in consideration of the importance of such data, the state cabinet had approved creation of a post of joint director for population.

Population size with more working age groups helps in the development of a state or country.

For the state, 65 per cent of the total population are in the working age group of 15 to 64 years, he pointed out and conceded that having low or high FTR is a major issue across the globe.

Having high TFR will increase the risk of health complications while low TFR would be detrimental to survival of a community or the society, the minister said and stressed that a minimum of 2.2 FTR is needed to sustain the population contrary to which the state is reporting low TFR, which is a serious matter of concern.

The government needs to find out the reason for having lesser number of children and introspect whether is related to financial burden on raising children, career-oriented mother and late marriage among other reasons.

At the same time, the government also needs to find out the reason for having more number of children, he said, while emphasising that balancing the population to a sustain able level is imperative.

Earlier, the minister flagged off a rally in connection with the observance, which was attended by medical officials, staff and nursing students.

Health Services director Dr K Rajo presided over the function while Family Welfare Services director in-charge Dr Dihe Mai, NHM State Mission director Dr Somorjit Ningombam and service provider of family planning services retired gynaecologist Dr Nabakanta attended as guests of honour.

On the other-hand, Manipur University Department of Psychology head Prof MC Arun has stated that instead of trying to scrutinising over the reproductive system as a means of population control in the state, it is far more important to stop the influx of illegal migrants from Myanmar and Bangladesh, and those entering the state from mainland India.

Speaking as a resource person during the observance of World Population Day organised by the Department of Adult Continuing Education & Extension, MU at the Pillow Library community hall of Mongsangei Mayai Leikai on Monday, Prof MC Arun explained that as the global population increases, steps are being taken to curb or slow down the rising population rate, although some places need increase in their population rate.

In Manipur's context, examples of one such place may include Tarao, Kharam wherein only 1000 Tarao tribes remain.

If population control mechanisms were to be employed upon such endangered tribes, it would only lead to their extinction.

He then said that the Meetei community, which is regarded as the majority community in the state, is facing a crisis.

However, this does not mean one has to give up their individual right over their own reproductive system just to increase or decrease the population.

Thus, there is a need for the government to set up a population commission, he contended, while stressing the need to stop the influx of illegal migrants into the state not only from Myanmar and Bangladesh, but also mainland India.

The observance was attended by MU School of Education dean Prof T Inaobi, Department of ACEE head in-charge Dr Chanam Sonia and other resource persons.

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