A bandit-infested region of India is trying to persuade men to undergo sterilisation by offering to fast-track their gun licence applications, an official said on Tuesday.
Officials in central Madhya Pradesh state's Shivpuri district decided to adopt the policy -- already tried out by some neighbouring states -- to increase the low vascectomy rate.
Vasectomy - Surgical Procedure
Vasectomy is an effective and safe form of birth control method in men where a part of the vas deferens is surgically cut and removed
Advertisement
"I came to know that it had to do with their perceived notion of manliness," said Manish Shrivastav, administrative chief of Shivpuri district, part of the Indian Chambal region, which is famed for its lawlessness and bandits.
"I then decided to match it with a bigger symbol of manliness -- a gun licence," he said. "And the ploy worked."
The plan comes as India, which has a population of 1.1 billion people, is trying to encourage people to have smaller families to ease poverty.
![Vasectomy - Animation]( "Vasectomy - Animation")
Vasectomy is a surgical procedure where a part of the vas deferens is surgically removed and is a safe form of birth control in men.
Vasectomy rates have soared since the policy was introduced last month, he added, although those undergoing sterilisation are still required to meet all regulations governing arms licences.
"Over 150 men have got themselves sterilised since we have offered the gun licence preference. I expect another 100 by the end of this month," Shrivastav told AFP.
Only eight men underwent the snipping procedure last year, in spite of financial rewards of 1,100 rupees (27.5 dollars).
The district of 1.4 million people has just 11,000 licensed arms, but locals say they want guns because bandits have large numbers of unlicensed weapons.
"I never bothered to apply for a licence before because I knew it was not so easy to get," said Shivpuri resident K.K. Saxena, 55, who recently underwent the procedure. "But when I heard about this then I decided to apply."
Saxena was provided with a medical slip confirming his sterilisation to attach to his gun application.
About 10,000 to 15,000 people apply each year for gun licences in Shivpuri, but only about 500 permits are granted annually.
One official, however, lambasted the idea.
"Where there are guns, even minor feuds often escalate into events that claim lives," said a police official who did not want to be named.
"The government should consider other incentives. It's ridiculous and irresponsible on the part of the authorities."
Source: AFP
SRM
The plan comes as India, which has a population of 1.1 billion people, is trying to encourage people to have smaller families to ease poverty.
Vasectomy - Animation
Vasectomy is a surgical procedure where a part of the vas deferens is surgically removed and is a safe form of birth control in men.
Advertisement
Vasectomy rates have soared since the policy was introduced last month, he added, although those undergoing sterilisation are still required to meet all regulations governing arms licences.
"Over 150 men have got themselves sterilised since we have offered the gun licence preference. I expect another 100 by the end of this month," Shrivastav told AFP.
Only eight men underwent the snipping procedure last year, in spite of financial rewards of 1,100 rupees (27.5 dollars).
The district of 1.4 million people has just 11,000 licensed arms, but locals say they want guns because bandits have large numbers of unlicensed weapons.
"I never bothered to apply for a licence before because I knew it was not so easy to get," said Shivpuri resident K.K. Saxena, 55, who recently underwent the procedure. "But when I heard about this then I decided to apply."
Saxena was provided with a medical slip confirming his sterilisation to attach to his gun application.
About 10,000 to 15,000 people apply each year for gun licences in Shivpuri, but only about 500 permits are granted annually.
One official, however, lambasted the idea.
"Where there are guns, even minor feuds often escalate into events that claim lives," said a police official who did not want to be named.
"The government should consider other incentives. It's ridiculous and irresponsible on the part of the authorities."
Source: AFP
SRM
Journey of the Male Sperm - Animation
Interactive section of Medindia explains the journey of the sperm from testis to the outside world.
Advertisement
Advertisement
|
Advertisement
Recommended Readings
Latest Indian Health News
The Rs 1,500 crore 'Chief Minister Health at Doorstep' program aims to cut expenses and conduct blood tests for those aged 60+.
In Bihar, a mysterious ailment named "Langda fever" by locals has emerged, causing patients to recover from fever but struggle to walk due to joint pain.
Upon analyzing the years of life lost due to cancer, the team discovered that the four avoidable risk factors led to an annual loss of over 30 million years of life.
Over the past three to four weeks in Delhi, there has been an increase of 20-30% in patients with recurring cough and upper respiratory tract infections.
Premature infants with gastrointestinal complications and metabolic disorders stand to benefit the most from this Lactarium initiative.