The population of India has been increasing at the rate of about one million every month. It has increased by nearly 270 million since 1977 and is today estimated to be 615 million. If the present rate of growth continues, we will be touching the one-billion mark by the end of the century. This rate has to be arrested. The birth rate targets of 30 and 25 per thousand by the end of the Fifth and Sixth Plans, respectively can be achieved only with the total and willing participation of the community in the family welfare programme. For this purpose it is important that all media of publicity including motivation through the extension approach, should be utilized fully by the Central and the State governments. We should very much expect that just as at the Centre we he involved all media units of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in the motivational campaigns, in the states also the State Departments of Public Relations and other departments having their own publicity set-ups would be totally associated with the motivational efforts.

It is of equal importance that trade unions, chambers of commerce, cooperative societies, organizations of women, federations of teachers, village panchayats and all other institutions which can influence public opinion should be associated intimately with the educational campaigns. The village panchayats can play a significant role in this task. Their potential as change-agents needs to receive greater recognition and attention.

No programme will succeed unless voluntary organizations particularly youth and women's organizations participate in its implementation fully and extensively. So far this participation has been very limited. The government wishes to invite the suggestions of voluntary organizations and such public bodies as are engaged in the general task of Family Welfare for evolving suitable patterns of cooperation and assistance. Full rebate will be allowed in the income tax-assessment for amounts given as donations for Family Welfare purposes to government, local bodies, or any registered voluntary organization approved for this purpose by the Union Ministry of Health.