Family matters: The success of the Jiyo Parsi scheme offers hope

While most Indian communities need to be made aware of population control measures, the Parsis, in contrast, are encouraged to do exactly the opposite. The reason is simple for the latter: Dwindling numbers. In 1941, the population stood at 1,14,000, but in 2011, it decreased to a mere 57,264. Desperate situations call for incisive measures, and thus was born a public-private initiative in the form of the Jiyo Parsi scheme in 2013, which has the Parzor Foundation and the Union Ministry of Minority Affairs as partners.

The success of the scheme is visible from the numbers. Last month, the scheme celebrated the birth of the 101st baby in Mumbai — a stupendous achievement in just about four years. At one point, the fear of extinction was rife in the community. Late marriage, reluctance to marry, health complications and an unwillingness to procreate were the major factors in precipitating a crisis.

The battle was to overcome the mindset of the youth and make them see reason. To a great extent, the programme’s success can be attributed to its advocacy section, which “creates awareness within the community and particularly in individual families about the importance of choosing a partner at a correct age, (and) encourages marriage and bearing children at the right time”.

Encouragement was also provided by reimbursing hospital bills and charges for medical tests of those who signed up for infertility treatments. Now a drive to inspire parents to opt for a second child is likely to gain momentum.