This article focuses on the implementation of the national goal of Universal Elementary Education (UEE) in India. The goal was first recognized at independence in the Constitution. Each state has the responsibility to provide free, compulsory education for children under 14 years of age. National Education Policies reinforce a constitutional mandate. In 1968, the first national policy called for equalization of educational opportunities for girls and children belonging to scheduled castes and tribes. In 1986, policy set a target of the year 2000 for attainment of UEE. States and union territories provide for free, compulsory education, but compulsion is not enforced. Recent efforts focus on universal access, retention, and achievement. During 1950-96, the number of primary schools expanded. After the 1990 World Conference for Education for All in Thailand, multilateral and bilateral aid agencies were more willing to invest in primary education in developing countries. The World Bank and European Union funded a District Primary Education Program which promoted primary education in India through decentralized planning and integrated programming at the district level. The program operated in 149 districts in 14 states in 1997. Two other international programs link the local community with teachers, educational administrators, and students and provide teachers in remote areas. Village Education Committees and Nonformal Education centers were set up in 1986. Nongovernmental groups formed partnerships. It is hoped that a clear vision, a strong commitment, higher investments, and increased community participation will hasten UEE.
In India the Nirodh condom may be the leading contraceptive in the future. The prime target group for the condom is young couples with no children or 1 child. Because couples who accept the condom are likely to accept sterilization later the long-term demographic impact of this pattern of use may be great. Condom use has grown steadily from about 60 million pieces in 1969 to 350 million in 1978 (about 1 million births averted). About 1/2 are distributed by the government and 1.2 commercially but commercial distribution is expected to expand tremendously while government distribution stays constant. A distribution of 1000 million pieces by 1984 is projected given saturation multimedia advertising incentives to dealers and a large increase in the number of outlets. The creation of a new manufacturing plant with a capacity of 300 million should begin now in order to be ready for increased demand in 3 years. A 15% yearly increase in the governments promotion budget will be needed until it reaches 100 lakhs rupees.
In India today, there is greater aspiration among women for improved social status within the family and the community and an equal socioeconomic role in society. Between 1964 and 1968, the number of women seeking employment rose 81% as compared to an increase of only 14% among men. Much of the increase in female job-seekers was among women with higher education. Modern economic conditions and rapid urbanization have speeded this trend toward increased female employment. Studies from various countries are cited to show that female employment is associated with smaller family norms. However, only those types of employment which involve work outside the home (i.e., not agricultural or physical labor jobs) will have an impact on family sizes. As women work, they gain a sense of their importance and they have a role other than motherhood.
A month-long advertising display contest resulted in the distribution of 3.5 million Nirodh condoms to eligible couples in Delhi in the same period. This is equal to the distribution normally achieved in 1 year. Speaking at the prize distribution ceremony, J.P. Yadav, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, termed the Nirodh an alternative to sterilization and the IUD, methods that have been declining in acceptance. He noted that population control was essential to improving the quality of life in India. The contest was cosponsored by the Union Carbide India Ltd. and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Raj Narain, the Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, said in an interview that the population served in each subcenter of the primary health center in rural India willbe reduced from the present 10,000 to 8000 by the end of the 5th Plan. The goal is to reduce the population served by each subcenter to 5000 by the end of the 6th Plan. Every citizen should be trained to be his own doctor, and a future approach will be to train doctors for public health work in the rural areas. It is proposed that there be special rewards for doctors who volunteer to work in rural areas. Raj Narain said that the State governments should pay at least Rs 5000 to families of those who were compelled to be sterilized. There will be compensation also for those who have suffered side effects from sterilization. Recanalization if warranted will be done at government expense. Family planning will form an integral part of a comprehensive policy covering education, health, maternity and child welfare, and family welfare and nutrition. The sterilization program will be voluntary and not compulsory.
