Nepal has a long history of addressing population concerns within its national development plans, dating back to the first five-year plan launched in 1956. However, it wasn’t until 2020 that the country finally adopted its first explicit national population policy, the National Population Policy 2020 [Nepal.unfpa.org].
Here’s a brief overview of Nepal’s Population Policies and Plans:
Evolution of Population Policy
Previously, Nepal’s population policies went through three major phases:
- 1950-1980: Focus on fertility regulation
- 1980-2007: Focus on mortality regulation
- 2007-Present: Focus on migration regulation
National Population Policy 2020
This policy marked a shift towards a more rights-based approach, focusing on:
- Improving people’s lives by integrating population issues into development
- Ensuring reproductive health and rights as fundamental human rights
- Promoting gender equality and inclusion in all development strategies
The policy acknowledges that population issues are complex and interconnected with various social and economic factors. It emphasizes a holistic approach that addresses not just fertility but also mortality, migration, and urbanization.
Population Perspective Plan (PPP) 2002-2027
This plan, though not a formal policy document, provided a framework for population management in Nepal. It aimed to:
- Provide a vision for the future of population management
- Identify gaps in existing policies
- Set goals and priorities for achieving population objectives
The PPP’s goals aligned with the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) in 1994, which emphasized reproductive health and rights as central to achieving sustainable development.
Challenges
Despite these policies and plans, Nepal still faces challenges in managing its population growth. These include:
- Geographic disparities in fertility rates
- High rates of maternal mortality
- Limited access to quality reproductive healthcare services, especially in rural areas
- Gender inequality
Looking Ahead
The successful implementation of Nepal’s population policies and plans requires a multi-sectoral approach that involves the government, civil society, and the private sector. By addressing the underlying social and economic factors that contribute to population growth, Nepal can achieve a more balanced and sustainable future.
