Demography of any nation or state is one of the most important information inputs for policy formulation and for the planning of sustainable and equitable development. In this context population data and policy assume special criticality and import. U.P. is the largest populated State in India. Its 2001 population was 16.62 crores. Decadal growth in 1991-2001 was 25.8% as against the national growth of 21.34%. Sex ration somewhat improved over the decade (898) but is still adverse. The State is fully aware that unless population growth rate is brought down and stabilization aimed and achieved, the gains of development will be dissipated.

The main policy objectives of U.P.’s Population Policy are reaching replacement level fertility rate of 2.1 by 2016, raising CPR to 52%, increasing the median age of marriage for women to 19.5 year, substantial reductions in maternal, infant and under five mortality, providing better MCH and RCH facilities, universal immunization, education, publicity and extension. And full involvement of PRIs, NGOs, teachers, voluntary groups and professional in population related programs. Simultaneously, these measures would be paralleled by high emphasis on literacy (specially female literacy), sanitation and preventive health measures.