Family Planing in Tribal Areas - A Case Study in Rajavommangi Tribal Development Block

Abstract

The increase of the human population is surely to threaten with extinction from the explosion of a population bomb. This raise may continue for centuries doubling the rate. The situation in India is no less severe. The UN report classifies India as a high fertility country. Due to rapid population growth, there are disadvantages like adding pressure on population which is already densely settled, capital shortage, a heavy load of dependent children for the working population and malnutrition. A survey was conducted in the Rajavonmangi tribal development block located in Yellavaram Taluk of East Godavari district. Rajavonmangi block is one of the four development blocks. As of 1961, the total population of the block is 23,066 covering 0.88% of the total district population, of these 11,996 are tribals with male-female proportion be 5906 and 6900 respectively. 57.86% of the total population is working in agricultural fields and allied sectors. The study stated that 90% of the workers of the block are cultivators or agricultural laborers, but the production land shown is 7,321 hectares giving a ratio of 1:0.32 for man to land under production. If in case the estimated population is double, then the estimated man -land ration will further reduce which is sufficient only for a quarter so, this infers that no further accommodation and sustainability for the additional population. The second objective is assuming the birth and death rate. Though birth and death rate is low as per national statistics, the low death rate is estimated to be half of the birth rate showing an increased tendency of population. So to control the consequences family planning program was introduced with health workers, Anganwadi, medical kits and unit and educators. According to the survey conducted on Family planning in the block targetting 3,704 couples, of which 2,466 have two or more children and still capable of further reproduction. If 73% of the target couples are brought under family planning only 27% will remain reproductive. Different planning techniques such as vasectomy, tubectomy, looping and use of condoms have been brought into the fold which worked bringing 43.47% of the total target couples into control. Case studies have been conducted to investigate the efficiency of planning techniques. Of all, vasectomy is the most favored due to its simple method of performance. Absence of procedural delays and cumbersome rules in operating and on spot payments to promote operation even in hesitated acceptors. Loop proved unsuitable due to ingrained shyness of tribal women, complex nature of the operation and a consequent longer period of convalescence and lack of proper operation theatres. While condoms are not appealing to the tribes as they gave no natural satisfaction. However, vasectomy started to fall into disrepute due to post-operational weakness and insecurities in families. Nevertheless keeping the cons and pros, the family planning programme is to be implemented on sound lines, to herald a new era of hope for the tribals.