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The Muslim
community in Malappuram district of Kerala are taking to family planning
in a big way, a positive indication of social change in the
community
Malappuram district in Kerala, one of
the very few districts in the country where Muslims are in a majority (it
has a two-thirds Muslim population), has registered a two-digit fall in
the decadal rate of population growth. This is significant because Muslims
are traditionally considered hostile to family planning. The Muslim
community in Malappuram is taking to family planning in a big way -- a
positive trend and indicative of the social changes taking place in the
community. According to the Census of India,
2001, Malappuram recorded the biggest decline in population growth.
Between 1991 and 2001, the population rose by 17.22 per cent -- a prett!
y high figure, but a steep fall, by 11.65 percentage points, from 28.87
per cent between 1981 and 1991. Malappuram is still the most populous
district in the state and has the highest rate of growth among all
districts. The Union Ministry of Health and
Family Welfare has identified Malappuram as one of 90 problem districts
across the country, for its high rate of population growth, high infant
mortality, reduced longevity, big size of family and lower health status.
The fall in birth rate is an indication of a conscious decision on the
part of individual couples to limit their family size and the widespread
use of contraceptive methods. The government
had no role in it, as there was no special drive for birth control in the
district. Dr T V Sekher, of the Population Research Centre, Institute for
Social and Economic Change, Bangalore, said high fertility was an
indication of social, economic and educational backwardnes!
s.
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