The Government of India initiated a comprehensive Family Planning Programme in 1952 to recognize the importance of family planning and how it would improve individual health and welfare. The Family Welfare Programme has sought to promote responsible and planned parenthood voluntarily. On 15th February, 2000, a new population policy was announced. The National Population Policy (NPP) 2000 is a culmination of years of planned efforts of the government. The main aim of this policy was to stabilise population growth by 2045. For the execution of this plan, National Population Fund was established.

The following points have been added to the National Population Policy 2000:

• To impart free and compulsory school education up to 14 years of age.
• Reduce infant mortality rate to below 30 per 1000 live births.
• Achieve universal immunisation of children against all vaccine-preventable diseases.
• Promote delayed marriage for girls.
• Make family welfare a people-centred programme.