India working to meet needs of entire population spectrum

India is working to provide social balance by trying to meet the needs of the entire population spectrum, from the young to the old, with programmes designed for their needs in a rapidly growing economy, a UN commission was told.

Speaking at a meeting of the Commission of Population and Development on Tuesday, Deputy Permanent Representative Bhagwant S. Bishnoi said, "With more than 54 percent of its total population below 25 years of age, India is well poised to reap the proverbial demographic dividend in a rapidly growing economy. Our National Youth Policy 2014 recognises the potential of this demographic dividend."

At the same time, he said, "The National Policy on Senior Citizens 2011 prioritises longevity and care for older persons providing the requisite balance in the society."

Bishnoi said that there has been a four-fold increase in central government funding for the health system. "Our efforts have begun to show results," he said. "Government's flagship National Rural Health Mission and other innovative health interventions have led to increased life expectancy, increased rates of immunisation of children, and substantial decline in under-five, neo-natal and maternal mortality rates between 1990 and 2013."

"The new Reproductive Maternal New Born Child and Adolescent health (RMNCH+A) programme, is aimed at bringing focus on all the life stages notably adolescents and also a focus on family planning with the aim of population stabilisation," he said.

"Our adolescent health programme, the Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK) which addresses the concerns and needs of the 253 million-strong population group, is the key that will break the cycle of ill health, poor social indices and poverty," he noted.