UP Population Control Bill: People Suggest Provision For Allowing Third Child After Two Daughters

Among the 8,500 suggestions received, there were many asking for a provision to allow a third child to a couple with two daughters.

Among the 8,500 suggestions the Uttar Pradesh Law Commission has received on its proposed population control bill, there were many asking for a provision to allow a third child to a couple with two daughters, or with a differently abled child, Hindustan Times reported. The suggestions have been divided by the panel into 53 categories.

Aimed at bringing down the gross fertility rate in the state by limiting government benefits for couples with more than two children, the Uttar Pradesh Population (Control, Stabilisation and Welfare) Bill also offers incentives to those who have a maximum of two children.

On July 9, the bill was uploaded on the law panel’s website, inviting suggestions from the public till July 19.

Justice AN Mittal, Chairman of the State Law Commission and former judge of the Allahabad high court who is preparing the draft for the bill, said: “The State Law Commission has received wide-ranging suggestions. People have suggested permission for a third child to parents who have two daughters.” The draft has been completed and the panel would soon call on chief minister Yogi Adityanath to hand over the report.

Madhu Garg, vice president, UP, the All India Democratic Women’s Association, slammed the suggestion. “Such suggestions must not be accepted. It promotes a mindset that prefers sons over daughters,” she said.

Other suggestions received by the panel include imposition of a fine on couples who opt for a third child and banning them from contesting parliamentary and assembly elections, Justice Mittal further said. “Some have also suggested permission for a third child to couples whose children are physically challenged.”