The two-child norm is a target oriented family-size control policy prescriptions, which
encourages parents to limit their families to two children and creates disadvantages for
couples with more than two children. HUM DO HAMARE DO ( WE TWO OURS TWO )
Issues with two child policy.
1.Gender imbalances ( enforcement to such policies will create gender imbalances and also can create mental subordination towards women ex: undocumented children )
2.Sex selective abortion ( a legal restriction to two children could force couple to go for sex
selective abortion as there are only two attempts )
socio economic strata , would be force to go for unsafe abortion because of issues of access and affordability )
4.Violating women reproductive rights and discriminatory nature against ( muslims and third child )
5.Neglect and death of female infants ( increasing orphanism)
6.It question the role of the welfare state ( there is legitimate cause for concern that this
policy will increase poverty levels. why : state withdraw the all concession from people who
fail to adhere to the small family norm )
7.Break-up of families ( it create incentives for men to divorce their wives and abandon thier
families if they want to run for political office )
8.Anti-democratic ( it seeks to prevent people from participating in local self government
after they have been elected through peoples mandate ).
9.cultural factors ( certain religious practices prohibited the use of contraceptive. Ex: most
of the orthodox Christian do not permit abortion at any stage ).
10.social customs ( religion and social institutions supporting high fertility rate + marriage is sacrament in hindu religion + children are considered to be gifts of God no control of child bearing )
Social benefits of two-child policy.
1.To minimize social problems and evils ( ex: poverty and unemployment).
2.Improve educational and housing facilities.
3.Changes in the traditional role of women ( destigmatization of women are not baby
making machine).
4.Controlling farm fragmentation ( it's positively impacted livelihood in rural areas )
5.Aviod over-population and mitigation of illegal action.
What's need to be done
1.There is a need to understand the population issue in proper perspective of rights and
gender sensitivity.
2.To alter societal fertility behaviour changes in social norms are needed.
3.Changes in the Law ( national population policy 2000 advocate " small family norm"
without prescribing any number )
