Bihar Sterilisation Drive: 98% Women, Only 2% Men Opt for Permanent Contraception
UPSC / SSC current affairs note
Why in news
A 20-day sterilisation drive in Bihar (July 11-31) saw only 2% male participation, highlighting persistent gender disparity in family planning. This comes as Bihar has India's highest fertility rate, making male involvement crucial for population stabilisation.
Background
Bihar has historically low male sterilisation rates and high fertility. The state's TFR declined from 3.4 (NFHS-4, 2015-16) to 3.0 (NFHS-5, 2019-21) and further to 2.9 (SRS 2024), still above the national average of 1.9.
Key facts
Total sterilisations during the drive: 15,033.
Female sterilisations: 14,728 (98%).
Male sterilisations: 305 (2%).
Patna recorded highest female sterilisations (1,210), followed by West Champaran (820), Vaishali (809), East Champaran (752), Gaya (702).
Vaishali and Siwan topped male sterilisations with 52 each, the only districts crossing 50.
Aurangabad had 27 male sterilisations, Begusarai and Patna shared fourth place.
Bihar's TFR is 2.9 (SRS 2024), highest in India, vs national average 1.9.
Vasectomy is simpler, safer, and less invasive than female sterilisation.
Drive was part of family planning initiative linked to World Population Day (July 11).
Prelims pointers
- World Population Day: July 11
- NFHS-5 (2019-21) Bihar TFR: 3.0
- SRS 2024 Bihar TFR: 2.9
- National TFR (SRS 2024): 1.9
- Vasectomy: male sterilisation
- Tubectomy: female sterilisation
- Sample Registration System (SRS) under Registrar General of India
- National Family Health Survey (NFHS) conducted by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Mains angles
- Gender inequality in reproductive health responsibilities.
- Need for male participation in family planning for population stabilisation.
- Health policy interventions to promote vasectomy.
- Social and cultural barriers to male sterilisation in India.