Population policy is a very important matter in a country. It is related to the health, prosperity and development of the nation. Population and development are mutually related. For the development of a country, an energetic population is necessary. At the same time, overpopulation can do a lot of harm to development. This problem of overpopulation is felt by the developing nations. The problem of overpopulation was recognized by India at an early stage. In 1952 itself, India declared a population policy.

The population policy of the Indian Government stressed family planning. For this, a Family Planning Board and a Family Planning Department were established. Five Year Plans also gave due importance to family planning. The population policy of India was based on the National Family Planning Programme. 

The aims of this Programme were:

• Control the rate of growth of the population in a way desirable to the society. 
• Encourage various birth control methods and thus reduce the growth rate. 
• Improve public health. 
• Create awareness in people about the problems of overpopulation and matters related to health.