'Udupi has low infant mortality rate'

 
He was speaking after inaugurating the World Population Day programme at Government Women’s First Grade College at Thenkanidiyur. The programme was organised by the District Health and Family Welfare Department, State Government Employees’ Association, Zilla Panchayat and Navajyothi Foundation. When the world average of infant mortality rate is 1000:8, it is just 1000:6 in Udupi district. This may be because of the medical facilities available in the district and the level of awareness among the people, Acharya noted.

The district is also not lagging behind in population control. The male-female ratio was 1000:1,131 as per the previous population census. It has declined to 968 now, the minister informed. “Youth should have a fair knowledge about family responsibility before marriage.

They should follow the principle of ‘one child, one family’. However, personally, I feel that there should be two children for one family. This provides a good environment for the growth of children,” he said. MLA Raghupathi Bhat said youth need awareness on health, hygiene, family welfare and family planning. There is a need to organise information programmes at schools and colleges, he suggested. Zilla Panchayat President Gerald Fernandes, in-Charge Deputy Commissioner N S Prasanna Kumar and others were present.