PDP MLA proposes bill to tackle falling fertility in J&K

PDP MLA Waheed-ur-Rehman Para has introduced a private member's bill in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly to address the region's declining fertility rate. The proposed legislation, titled 'Maa-Beti Aur Aane Wali Naslein Bachao Bill, 2026', has been forwarded for consideration during the Autumn session starting September 21.

The bill cites National Family Health Survey-5 data showing Jammu and Kashmir's total fertility rate at approximately 1.4 children per woman, below the replacement level of 2.1. It proposes a voluntary, non-coercive Family Support and Demographic Stabilisation Scheme offering financial assistance, scholarships, childcare, and housing support for families, particularly those with two or more children.

The legislation also seeks stricter enforcement of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques Act, creation of a Demographic Research and Monitoring Cell, and a Kashmir Girls and Women's Health Mission. A dedicated fund and district-level committees would monitor implementation, which the bill acknowledges requires public expenditure.