Synopsis It is a universally acknowledged fact that over-population is India’s problem No. 1. Various family planning programmes have remained less than successful as these were adhoc, isolated and non-comprehensive. No linkages were established between family planning programmes and removal of deprivations and disparities for the development of capabilities of the masses. As a result, we stand no better than where we were at the dawn of freedom. The plan of action for state intervention proposed in this book has been designed on the basis of actual field experience as well as empirical study. The author not only offers a democratic solution to the problem of over-population in a fixed time-frame, but also paves the path for enhancing capabilities by reducing poverty and deprivation among the masses. Based on field experience and data, the book is written in a style and a language that endears it both to a layman and a specialist. The book is an attempt by a concerned and conscientious career bureaucrat to suggest a viable plan of action for removing the biggest road block in India’s journey to progress and sustainable development. Some of the proposals suggested in the first edition of the book have already been acknowledged and adopted by the Governments of Haryana and Punjab.