SHILLONG: Health and Family Welfare Minister, AL Hek stressed on the need to reduce the population growth rate substantially for ensuring sustain growth and development.
Addressing a gathering to observe the World Population Day here on Wednesday, AL Hek informed that the State along with the rest of the country is observing “Population Stabilization Fortnight” from July 11 to 24 on the theme “Small Family Happy Family”.
Under the programme, the Government would organize various activities and family planning services at Block and District levels to carry forward the government effort to stabilize the population of the country at a level consistent with the national economy. It may be mentioned that the population of the state is 2964007 according to 2011 census. According to Hek, the Health Department’s endeavour would be to raise awareness on the issue of adolescent pregnancy during the World Population Day 2013.
“In order to bring about overall development, multi-sectoral endeavours requiring constant and effective dialogue among the stake holders, coordination at all levels between the government and the society will facilitate early achievement of the socio demographic goals and thereby stabilize population,” Hek added.
