The Government may be spending lakhs of rupees on population control, but some schemes are turning out to be counter-productive. In the parts of rural Bihar, villagers are having more babies just to get money promised under welfare schemes.

In Katihar, it’s a common sight to see a long queue of women outside a Government hospital. They are usually there to take grants promised under welfare schemes like the Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) and the Janani Bal Suraksha Yojana (JBSY).
But many women, like Asha Devi, aren't going there for the first time. For them giving birth to a child makes more economic sense than birth control.

“If we don’t undergo an operation we can have more children, and we can also get Rs. 1,400 from the government. We also get Rs. 200 for travelling expenses. I regret undergoing the operation. More children means more income,” Asha Devi said.
Under these welfare schemes the state Health Department provides Rs. 1,600 for each child born to a couple. Much more than the Rs. 600 that they get if they opt for birth control measure like vasectomy.

Billions of rupees spent on population control has failed to achieve desired results, and the fault lies somewhere within the system itself – the state government is spending more money for those who are adding on to the numbers, than those adopting birth control measures. Even government officials have admitted to this flaw, but seem reluctant to rectify.

“The amount that is to be paid under the JSY and and JBSY schemes is more than the one provided under family planning schemes,” a civil surgeon in Katihar, KK Labh explained.
But when contacted the state Health Minister, Chandra Mohan Rai, claimed ignorance of the matter. “I have not received any specific complain regarding this issue. But I will take note of your findings and will ask for an enquiry,” Rai said.

But who is to blame for such a miscalculation? The state government, whose intention was to provide for these babies, or the mothers, who willingly bear nine months of discomfort, just to get a little extra money to feed their families.

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