Doles for small families

By Our Special Correspondent

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, JULY 13. The Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Dr. C.P. Thakur, said here on Thursday that the Government was considering some incentives for keeping the family size down to one or two.

Addressing a `Meet-the-Press Programme' at the Press Club here, the Minister said some incentives were already in place such as those instituted by the Rural Development Department. Further, positive discrimination would be considered. He would be discussing the matter with religious leaders and others. The matter would also be discussed at the official conference on population proposed to be held in New Delhi on July 22.

Dr. Thakur said a legislation against having more than two children would be brought only if there is a consensus on it. The Government had apprehensions about public acceptance of such a legislation. Almost all parties were opposed to the proposal.

The Government, he said, was trying to reach each and every family through Government, non-governmental and other agencies in its bid to reduce population growth. A targeted approach would focus on States like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh first.

He said the Government would be banning sex determination tests. Imposition of punishment on doctors assisting female foeticide was also under consideration.

Dr. Thakur said he was opposed to the disinvestment of the Hindustan Latex. A profit making public sector company should not be disinvested. "We will convince the Cabinet about that."

He said the Centre would be increasing the Budget allocation to Kerala in the health sector. The State would not be penalised for its achievements. It would be allocated resources for dealing with high morbidity that had resulted from improved longevity. The State would need a different approach from those adopted in other States in the health sector. Funds would be allocated in its efforts to improve facilities for treatment of heart diseases, cancer and the like. The Centre would be giving its clearance for the proposed Medical College in Kochi. The procedure for inspection and granting of recognition to colleges would be simplified.

He said the Government would be initiating steps for research related to human genome. The studies could yield many beneficial results. So, the country should not lag behind.

He said the Government would be carrying out a big project for cultivation of medicinal plants. Steps would be taken for standardisation and testing of Ayurvedic medicines. The regulatory authority would be strengthened through enhancement of its components.

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