As of my last update in January 2022, India doesn’t have a single unified population policy but rather a set of policies and programs aimed at managing population growth and promoting reproductive health. The key elements of India’s population policy include:

1. National Population Policy (NPP): India’s NPP was first formulated in 1976 and revised in 2000. The goals of the NPP include achieving a stable population by 2045, promoting reproductive health, gender equality, and providing access to family planning services. The policy emphasizes voluntary and informed choice of family planning methods, promoting delayed marriage, and spacing between births.
2. Family Planning Programs: India has implemented various family planning programs over the years aimed at providing access to contraception, maternal and child health services, and reproductive health education. These programs are often implemented through the National Health Mission (NHM) and include initiatives such as the Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) and the Mission Parivar Vikas.
3. Contraceptive Distribution: The government of India provides various contraceptive methods free of cost or at subsidized rates through a network of public health facilities. This includes condoms, oral contraceptive pills, injectable contraceptives, intrauterine devices (IUDs), and sterilization services.
4. Maternal and Child Health Services: Improving maternal and child health is an integral part of India’s population policy. Initiatives such as the Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) aim to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality by promoting institutional deliveries and providing financial assistance to pregnant women.
5. Awareness and Education: The government conducts awareness campaigns and educational programs to promote family planning, reproductive health, and responsible parenthood. These initiatives aim to dispel myths and misconceptions about contraception and encourage informed decision-making.
6. Women’s Empowerment: Addressing gender inequality and empowering women is recognized as a crucial component of population policy. Empowering women through education, employment opportunities, and access to healthcare services can contribute to lower fertility rates and improved reproductive health outcomes.
7. Population Census: India conducts a decennial census to collect demographic data, including information on population size, distribution, and composition. This data is used to assess population trends and inform policymaking.
8. Incentives and Disincentives: In some cases, incentives such as cash incentives or other benefits are provided to encourage families to adopt family planning methods or undergo sterilization. However, there have also been instances of coercive practices and sterilization camps in the past, leading to controversy and criticism.

Overall, India’s population policy aims to balance population growth with sustainable development, promoting reproductive health and family well-being while respecting individual rights and choices. It’s worth noting that population issues are complex and multifaceted, requiring a comprehensive approach that addresses socio-economic, cultural, and health factors.