2011-07-01 14:58:10
Health officials in the Indian state of Rajasthan are launching a new campaign
to try reduce the high population growth in the area.
They are encouraging men and women to volunteer for sterilisation, and in
return are offering a car and other prizes for those who come forward.
Among the rewards on offer is the Indian-made Tata Nano - the world's cheapest
car.
Many in the government are worried about the size of India's population.
It is expected to overtake that of China by 2030.
Sitaram Sharma, the head doctor of Jhunjunu in western India, is hopeful that
the chance to win a car might be just enough to tempt at least 20,000 men and
women to undergo sterilisation.
He is also offering motorcycles, televisions and food blenders.
The offer is open to all Indians and not just residents of his drought-prone
region.
Other regions have also offered incentives for couples volunteering for
sterilisation.
A nationwide campaign was abandoned in the 1970s, however, after complaints
that thousands of men and women were forced into having the operation.