India to combat population growth with late-night TV

Posted By Joshua Keating Tuesday, July 28, 2009 - 1:58 PM Share

Some innovative thinking from India's Minister of Health and Family Welfare, who presents a new argument for rural electrification:

“If there is electricity in every village, then people will watch TV till late at night and then fall asleep. They won’t get a chance to produce children,” Mr Azad said. “When there is no electricity there is nothing else to do but produce babies.” 

He added: “Don’t think that I am saying this in a lighter vein. I am serious. TV will have a great impact. It’s a great medium to tackle the problem . . . 80 per cent of population growth can be reduced through TV.” 

I suspect Azad is pulling that number out of thin air, but in general, he may have a point. People need to pass their evenings somehow.

Hat tip: Marginal Revolution

Photo: meggieg22

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