8.1 Principles
Neither the planet, nor any country, can sustain continued human population growth. Four Earths would be required for all human inhabitants to live if population grows as the present rate. However, the relationship between people and environments is a complex one, not reducible simply to carrying capacity, but mediated by economic, social, political, cultural and technological considerations. The Indian government should consult with the widest possible range of interest groups to arrive at a population policy which respects human rights.
The basis for India’s population policy, both domestic and global, must be ecological sustainability, intergenerational equity and social justice. A precautionary approach is required in order to take into account the consequences of human impact on the environment.
In order to achieve a sustainable population, action must be taken on consumption levels and technology use as well as population size. We must generate less waste and implement technologies, such as those based on renewable energy, which are more environmentally benign.
The consumption patterns are contributing to global as well as to local environmental problems and we have a responsibility to current and future generations to ensure that we do not knowingly degrade their world. As Indians we also have a responsibility towards non-human species, many of which have already become extinct or endangered. Government policies and taxation systems are tools which can be used to change consumption patterns over the medium to long term, and to protect and manage ecosystems vulnerable to human activity.
India must contribute towards achieving a globally sustainable population and solving the macro aspects of demographic transition of civilisational regions as part of international responsibility. We should set an example by:
a) managing our own population growth in accordance with more equitable consumption patterns in relation to the international context; and
b) redirecting the bulk of aid towards eradicating poverty and towards those programmes which empower women.
In attaining a sustainable population India must shift its involvement in a competitive world economy to a more cooperative, regional, self-sufficient economy based on equality and human rights.
8.2 Goals
An Indian population policy should consider the distribution of human settlements rather than just concentrate upon population size at the national level. The continuing de-settlement of rural areas must be considered in the light of ecological and social sustainability and efforts must be set in place to reverse it in those areas where settlement is ecologically benign. The ecological and social viability of ares expected to experience great growth needs to be safeguarded, and appropriate planning processes set in place. Human settlements should be designed and built to minimise environmental and maximise social well-being. Investing in the social well-being of the entire population should be the main aim of government, so that there are publicly provided services of the highest possible standard. These services should include education, infrastructure, health, employment and income support.
8.3 Short Term Targets
The Indian National Green Party will work towards:
a) ensuring that Indian family planning programme, deliver services in the context of reproductive health programme which increase the power of girls and women to determine their own reproductive lives, and increase the understanding of men of their reproductive responsibilities
b) envisaging a marketing approach to family planning policies.
c) evolving a new communication strategy for family planning and population control for reaching the diverse committees in different States and Union Territories of India.