Demography India Vol.19, No.1 (l990)

From the Chief Editor’s Desk

DEMOGRAPHY INDIA, Journal of the Indian Association for the Study of Population, is unique in many ways. Firstly, it is the only journal which covers diverse areas of Indian population science—from the technical demography to policy relevant research in population and environment. It is unique also because it has been served and nurtured by distinguished demographers like Professor P. B. Desai and Professor Ashish Bose who shouldered the responsibilities of editing and publishing it. It has also received valuable support and guidance from our senior scholars like Professor S. N. Singh, Professor K. S. Srikantan, Professor D. C. Dubey, Professor Vasant P. Pethe and Professor Suddhendu Biswas.

During the last few years because of unavoidable reasons the journal could not be published in time. However, during the last two years serious attempts have been made to clear the backlog and I am confident; that we will be able to achieve this by the end of this year. The first issue of volume 20 is already in press, it will be released within six weeks.

Preliminary census results have been released and are now being subjected to analysis. Mr. A. R. Nanda, the present Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India deserves congratulations from all of us for publishing the several results in a record time which surprises some of the most developed countries of the world. He also owes a lot from us for being so open and ready to share and discuss the results with research community.

Considering the importance of the 1991 census results, the first issue of volume 20 will be a special issue on 1991 census results.The continued population pressure and its serious consequences are alarming. Population control is not the sole responsibility of the Government of India. We all have to meet this challenge collectively. As researchers we could contribute significantly by undertaking studies which could help the policy makers and programme managers in the decision making process. It will be the endeavour of Demography India to discharge its responsibility by publishing more applied and policy relevant papers covering wide range of new emerging issues such as women and development, reproductive health, AIDS, population and environment, health financing and health policy research. Determinants of fertility, mortality and research on family planning delivery system.are other priority issues, which need more attention. I take this opportunity to invite all of you to contribute papers for the journal which are substantive and relevant to the current need, and are strong in interpretation and go beyond presentation of simple tables or survey results. I hope I have your full support in this endeavour.

M. E. Khan
Chief Editor, Demography India