Jaipur, Jan 12: Desert districts of Jaisalmer and Barmer may appear barren, but they are contributing in no small measure to an increase in Rajasthan’s population.
They, along with the ravine district of Dholpur, have acquired the dubious distinction of recording the highest fertility and birth rates in the country.
According to official data, many rural women do not want more children. Lack of sterilisation facilities has resulted in a whopping 132 per cent unwanted pregnancies. Twenty-three out of the 32 districts have recorded a high fertility rate because of this.
Dr Devendra Kothari, a population expert, said there was a relationship between female literacy and fertility as districts with high female literacy had recorded low fertility levels.
As per government officials, the tribal districts of Dungarpur, Banswara and Sirohi recorded a high fertility rate. These districts incidentally have very low female literacy rates of 27.9%, 37.4% and 31.2% respectively.
Dr Kothari said the state should also ensure sterilisation facilities in rural areas where women were in favour of controlling unwanted pregnancies.
Alwar (32.2%), Jodhpur (32.9%), Bikaner (32.8%), Pali (32.2%), Udaipur (32.7%) and Bharatpur (34.8%) districts have recorded high fertility rates.