What indirect population benefit can promoting gender equality among boys and girls bring under the National Population Policy?

Correct answer: Investment in girls’ education and health may rise

The direct answer is A: promoting gender equality can increase investment in girls’ education and health. Gender equality means that boys and girls receive fair opportunities, care, respect, nutrition, schooling, and access to health services. When girls are educated and healthy, they are more likely to understand health information, make informed decisions, continue their studies, and participate in decisions about marriage and family planning. These changes can indirectly support a smaller, healthier, and better-planned population. Option A is correct because it describes a positive social change that can influence population behaviour over time. Option B is wrong because equality aims to reduce discrimination, not increase it. Option C is wrong because equality does not necessarily raise infant mortality; better education and health care can help reduce risks. Option D is wrong because equality does not end family planning; informed and equal decision-making can improve its voluntary use. Memory cue: equality leads to equal opportunity, better education, and healthier families—not discrimination.