RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Sunday expressed concern over India’s declining population growth and urged that every couple should have at least three children. He asserted that the country’s Total Fertility Rate (TFR), which is currently 2.1, should be higher to ensure population stability.
Speaking at the ‘Kathale Kul (clan) Sammelan’ in Nagpur, Bhagwat warned that a TFR below 2.1 could lead to societal extinction, citing demographic studies.
“A declining population is a serious concern. If a society’s TFR falls below 2.1, it risks extinction. This decline can happen gradually, without any external threats,” Bhagwat said. He pointed out that several languages and cultures have already vanished due to this issue.
Bhagwat stressed the importance of family, calling “kutumb” (family) the core of society. He referred to India’s population policy, which advocates for a TFR of at least 2.1, and added, “When we say 2.1, it means at least three children, as population science suggests.”
India’s TFR has dropped from 2.2 to 2, while the Contraceptive Prevalence Rate has risen from 54% to 67%, according to the 2021 National Family Health Survey data. A TFR of 2.1 is considered the replacement rate, ensuring no increase or decrease in population when a woman and her partner pass away.
In response to Bhagwat’s comments, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi criticised the remarks.
He pointed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s earlier statements about Muslim women having more children and referred to Modi’s comments about redistributing gold, including ‘mangalsutras’, from mothers and daughters among Muslims.
“Bhagwat says produce more children. Now those in the RSS should start marrying,” Owaisi said.