A ‘Population Policy’ is the document which lists the measures which the government intends to take, step by step, to achieve the desired change on the country’s population.
It is clear then that the deadlines for achieving the desired change are also mentioned. These deadlines include:
1. Long term goal: the ultimate goal e.g. having an optimal population size and age structure that lead to maximum productivity.
2. Objectives: to achieve the target for each step taken towards achieving the long term goal.
The population policy for India in 2000 aims at reducing and stabilizing the growth rate. In some low population countries, such a policy may actually be aimed at increasing the population to optimal levels e.g. by promoting immigration or large families
Reference:
Population and Development Review. Vol. 1, No. 1 (Sep., 1975), pp. 147-161 (15 pages) Published By: Population Council
National Population Policy, 2000: http://www.ihatepsm.com/blog/national-population-policy-2000
National Population Policy – 2000 Made Clear in Brief: http://www.ihatepsm.com/blog/national-population-policy-%E2%80%93-2000-m...
What is a 'Population Policy'?: http://www.ihatepsm.com/blog/what-population-policy