Two-child norm may go

The Union Health Ministry might withdraw the two-child norm Bill, aimed at barring people with more than two children from contesting elections to Parliament, as it amounts to ‘‘coercion’’ and might indirectly increase foeticide.

‘‘We don’t want to pursue the two-child norm as it amounts to coercion,’’ Health Ministry officials said, adding it would not help stabilise population. Women’s groups had met PM Manmohan Singh recently, opposing the move. Brinda Karat of All India Democratic Women’s Association said: ‘‘We have the experience of Kerala and Tamil Nadu where fertility rates have come down with empowerment of women and education.”

The Ministry was to write to Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Haryana and AP which have introduced such a provision; the final decision needs to be taken by the Union Cabinet.