[Population growth rate noted in Guizhou figures]

In compliance with Chairman Mao's instruction that it is necessary to control population, party committees at all levels in Tongren [Tunjen] Prefecture have strengthened leadership over planned parenthood work. They have lowered the prefecture's population growth rate from 28.2/1000 in 1974 to 12/1000 in 1977, reaching the average level for the whole country. Tongren and Yinjiang [Yinchaing] counties, 21 districts, 4 counties, and 171 communes have fulfilled 3 years ahead of schedule the population plan target for the 5th 5-year plan. Planned parenthood work has shown further development this year. By the end of September, the whole prefecture had overfulfilled by 10% the sterilization operation quota allocated by the province 3 months ahead of schedule and laid a better foundation for continuously lowering the population growth rate. It is estimated that the natural rate of population growth will fall to 10/1000 this year. The vigorous grasping of planned parenthood has gradually benefitted the planned development of the national economy, the health of mothers and children and production, work and study.