The change in the name of the programme from family planning to family welfare is a reflection of the government's anxiety to promote, through it, the total welfare of the family and the community. It is our intention to take the programme forward in the real sense as an investment in man. We wish to make it abundantly clear that in this task there is no room for compulsion, coercion or pressure of any sort. Compulsion, in the area of family welfare must be ruled out for all times to come. Our approach is educational and wholly voluntary. There will, however, be no slackening of our efforts in this direction.

The government attaches the highest importance to the dignity of the citizen and to his right to determine the size of his family. We have no doubt that by and large the people of India are conscious of the importance of responsible parenthood; given the necessary information and adequate services, they will accept the small family norms. We will promote all methods with equal emphasis and it will be left to every family to decide what method of contraception it will like to adopt. Employees of the Union Government, State Governments, autonomous bodies, local bodies, etc. will be expected to set an example and to adopt the small family norm.