The rapid growth of population is a world problem of the utmost gravity. In India, where inadequate food supplies are a serious threat to development, the result of the “population explosion” can be especially acute. This can whittle down all our efforts towards betterment and be a source of ill health and unhappiness to the individual families. In mid-1966, India’s population passed the 500 million mark, and it is growing at the rate of more than 12 million a year. India’s population is the second largest in the world; it comprises 14% of the world’s population ; yet, this population must be supported on 2.4% of the world’s land area.
The Government of India recognised the threat of over-population and launched the world’s first official Family Planning Programme in 1952. Together with the need for increased food production, Family Planning took its place at the very centre of the development effort. A nationwide organisation is being built, and large sums have been allocated to this high priority programme. Every proved contraceptive method is being promoted. A widespread mass education programme is underway. Training and research centres in all aspects of the programme have been established. The overall objective of the Programme is to achieve a reduction in the country’s annual birth rate from 40 per thousand to 25, in the next 10 years. The cooperation and active participation of all the people in this National Task is of the utmost importance.
On the occasion of the observance of the Family Planning Week, the P & T Department is bringing out a special postage stamp on the 12th December, 1966.
Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of India