THE WRITING ON THE WALL 57 categorically stated that the state should adopt a family planning policy in the interests of social economy, happiness of the and the development of the nation. In the sub-committee on chaired by Col. Sokhey, Lakshmibai Rajwade forcefully argued her case for the inclusion of "birth control, provision of goods, instructions, demonstrations and consultations" in maternal and child health services.1 Thus we find two compelling—if not necessarily complementary— concerns shaping the emergent population policy. The first relates to benefits to national development, viewing population growth as one of the major determinants of poverty; and the second, the benefits accruing to women's health through birth control. The relevant point here is not to contest the latter, but to recognize that this emphasis on women as reproductive beings whose "tired reproductive machinery is automatically set in motion by the reproductive act", serves to distract attention from the socio-economic circumstances governing reproductive behaviour. The effort then is to alter this behaviour through medical technology—directed towards a woman whose reproductive profligacy is posited as a cause for her poverty and ill-health. The Health Survey and Development Committee (the Bhore Committee) was established in 1943 to provide a blueprint for the development of health services in the country. Noting that declines in birth rates had not followed declines in death rates, the Committee concluded that India was indeed confronted with a population problem that could have grave consequences, as "uncontrolled growth of population would outstrip the productive capacity of the country." The Committee recommended assistance by the state to the Birth Control Movement, both on the grounds of the health of mothers and on economic grounds.2 The imprint of the eugenics movement is apparent in the Report: The classes which possess many of these undesirable characteristics are known to be generally improvident and prolific. A continued high birth rate among these classes, if accompanied by a marked fall in the rate of growth of the more energetic, intelligent and ambitious sections of the population, which make much the largest contribution to the prosperity of the country, may be fraught with serious consequences to national welfare. The First Five Year Plan document cautiously observed: It is not possible to judge whether or not, an increasing population is favourable or unfavourable to development. In the past, periods of rapid economic development have also been periods of rapidly increasing population but whether there is any causal relationship between the two or how it works one cannot say with any certainty.3 But the Plan adds, this caveat notwithstanding: