It has been represented by some states that while on one hand we are urging them to limit their population, those states which do well in this field face reduction of representation in Parliament while those with weak performance in family planning tend to get increasing representation. It is obviously necessary to remedy this situation. It has, therefore, been decided that the representation in the Lok Sabha and the State Legislatures will be frozen on the basis of the 1971 Census until the year 2001. This means in effect that the census counts of 1981 and 1991 will not be considered for purposes of adjustment of Lok Sabha Legislature Seats. Necessary constitutional amendment will be brought forward during the current year. Appropriate legislation for other elective bodies will also be undertaken.

In a federal system, the sharing of Central resources with the States is a matter of considerable importance. In all cases where population is a factor as in the allocation of Central assistance to State Plans, devolution of taxes and duties and grants-in-aid, the population figures of 1971 will continue to be followed till the year 2001. In the matter of Central assistance to State Plans, eight per cent will be specifically earmarked against performance in family planning. The detailed procedures in this regard will be worked out by the Planning Commission.

While there is a direct correlation between illiteracy and fertility, this is particularly marked in the case of girls' education. Wherever female literacy improves, it has been seen that fertility drops almost automatically. It is, therefore, necessary that special measures be taken to raise the levels of female education, particularly above the middle level for girls as well as non-formal education plans for young women especially in certain backward states where the family planning performance so far has been unimpressive. The same is true with regard to child nutrition programmes, as high infant mortality and morbidity have a direct bearing on fertility. The Ministry of Education is urging, upon the State governments the necessity to give these matters higher priority than has been accorded so far and fully earmarking adequate outlays both for girls' education upto the middle level and child nutrition.