What explains the decline in family planning methods in parts of Bengal?

Kolkata: The use of family planning methods has decreased in five districts of West Bengal in the last five years, while the state overall increased slightly by 3%, according to the latest National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5). This indicates a lack of knowledge of family planning methods in these five districts and implementation gaps at the grassroots level in the family planning programme.

Between 2015 and 2020, Bankura recorded a 19.6% decrease in any family planning methods, which is the highest decrease in the state, followed by Purulia (18%) and Purba Medinipur (16%). Of all modern methods, female sterilisation is the most used method in the country, but Purulia recorded an 11.7% decrease in female sterilisation followed by Paschim Medinipur (6.8%) and Nadia (6.7%). Another modern contraception method is the usage of pills which has also declined in the same period. 7.2% decrease recorded in Purba Medinipur followed by Nadia (4%) and Bankura (3.1%).

Family planning focused programmes mainly implemented through the deployment of ASHA workers in rural communities. Their job includes raising awareness, bring behavioural changes, developed community participation and enabled empowerment at the grassroots level.