RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat's recent comments on population control have stirred considerable debate, with his call for families to have at least three children raising concerns across various political circles.
Speaking in Nagpur, Bhagwat linked population stability to the survival of society, citing demographic science to support his argument. He warned that a decline in population, especially if fertility rates fall below 2.1, could eventually lead to societal extinction.
Bhagwat's statement is rooted in his belief that population stability is vital for a society’s long-term survival. He pointed out that when the fertility rate of a community dips below 2.1, it begins to face a slow but inevitable decline.
According to Bhagwat, such societies may not necessarily be threatened by external forces but will cease to exist on their own over time, as has been the case with many languages and cultures that have disappeared due to this demographic shift.
In his address, Bhagwat referenced India’s population policy, which was designed in the late 1990s or early 2000s. He emphasised that the policy clearly stated that no community's population should fall below the critical threshold of 2.1.
Bhagwat argued that, since fractional children are not possible, the only way to maintain population stability is for families to have a minimum of three children. This, according to him, is a necessary step to preserve India's demographic balance.
However, Bhagwat’s comments have not been without controversy. The issue of population control has always been a sensitive subject in Indian politics, especially in states like Bihar, where the caste-based census and related policies have sparked heated debates.
Bhagwat’s remarks have reignited these discussions, with some political leaders accusing him of inconsistency. The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) has been particularly vocal in its criticism of Bhagwat’s statement.
RJD spokesperson Mrityunjay Tiwari questioned the contradictions in the approach of the BJP and the RSS. While the government has initiated campaigns promoting population control and family planning, Bhagwat's comments advocating for larger families seem to undermine these efforts.
Tiwari pointed out that such statements could potentially send confusing signals to the public about the government’s stance on population control.
The Janata Dal (United), another key player in the political landscape, also joined in the criticism. Party spokesperson Arvind Nishad suggested that Bhagwat should first consult BJP leaders, who frequently speak on the importance of controlling population growth, before making such remarks.
Nishad highlighted that in Bihar, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has championed education for women as a key solution to managing population growth, a view that directly contradicts Bhagwat’s call for larger families.
Bhagwat’s comments also raise broader questions about the role of government and societal influence in shaping family planning policies.
While the RSS chief advocates for larger families to maintain population stability, many experts argue that a focus on empowering women, improving access to healthcare, and fostering awareness about the benefits of smaller families could offer a more balanced approach to managing India’s demographic challenges.
In addition, critics of Bhagwat’s stance contend that increasing the number of children per family may not necessarily lead to the desired population stability in the long run.
They argue that the focus should be on sustainable development, education, and social welfare, which could naturally lead to a more balanced and manageable population growth rate.
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