Population control and family planning come under which list of the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution?

The correct answer is Concurrent List.

Key Points

• Population control and family planning fall under the Concurrent List, which allows both the Central and State Governments to legislate on this subject.
• The Concurrent List is one of the three lists under the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution, the other two being the Union List and the State List.
• Item 20-A of the Concurrent List explicitly mentions "Population control and family planning" as a shared legislative responsibility.
• This arrangement ensures a coordinated approach between the Central and State Governments to address population-related challenges effectively.
• Key legislations and initiatives such as the National Family Welfare Programme are implemented under the purview of this shared responsibility.

Additional Information

• Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution
  • The Seventh Schedule defines the division of powers between the Union and State Governments.
  • It consists of three lists: Union List (97 items), State List (66 items), and Concurrent List (47 items).
  • The Union List includes subjects of national importance, while the State List includes issues of regional or local significance.
  • The Concurrent List includes subjects where both the Centre and States can legislate, but in case of conflict, the Union law prevails.
• Population Control and Family Planning in India
  • India was the first country to launch a national family planning program in 1952.
  • The program aims to reduce the fertility rate and stabilize the population, ensuring better resource allocation and improved quality of life.
  • Strategies include promoting contraceptive use, awareness campaigns, and maternal health services.
• Important Legislations Related to Population Control
  • The Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971, regulates abortion to ensure safe practices.
  • The Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, 1994, prevents sex-selective abortions to combat female foeticide.
• International Perspective on Population Control
  • Countries like China have implemented policies like the "One-Child Policy" (now relaxed) to manage population growth.
  • India promotes a voluntary approach to family planning, emphasizing education and awareness rather than coercive measures.