That India is likely to overtake China as the most populous country by 2027 and be home to 1.64 billion people by 2050 is not heartening news at all ( Editorial, “A stable planet”, June 22). Reduction in fertility rates in our most populous States is a must. Together with this, education of girl children and the empowerment of women will help arrest population growth. There must be a holistic approach in addressing the issues. It is also time to raise the minimum age of marriage.
C.G. Kuriakose,
Kothamangalam, Kerala
The cold reality of an increasing world population, with India set to become the world’s most populous nation, is a warning sign. State machinery, policies and social welfare schemes are bound to suffer adversely if there are inadequate resources to feed such a large population. More aggressive population control campaigns need to be put in place to boost greater awareness about the need for family planning. Realistic development goals need to be set keeping in mind the estimated population figures and the resources needed.
Ojal Jain,
Sri City, Andhra Pradesh
