Population decline a concern, growth rate below 2.1 ‘is a risk’: Mohan Bhagwat

Nagpur: RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat urged Indian families to have at least three children, citing demographic science. His remarks, linking population stability to survival, drew sharp criticism from opposition parties amid ongoing debates on population policies.

Mohan Bhagwat, the chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), said families should have at least three children to prevent a decline in the population. He cited demographic science to support his claim, saying population stability was essential for a society’s survival.

Speaking in Nagpur, Bhagwat said, “A decline in population is a matter of concern. Modern demographic studies indicate that when the population of a community falls below a fertility rate of 2.1, that society faces extinction. It does not need external threats to vanish; it disappears on its own. Many languages and societies have ceased to exist due to this. Therefore, our population must not fall below 2.1.”

Referring to India’s population policy, Bhagwat added, “Our country’s population policy was framed in 1998 or 2002, and it clearly mentioned that no community’s population should drop below 2.1. Since one cannot have fractional children, we need at least three children per family, as per population science.”

Bhagwat’s remarks sparked political reactions, particularly in Bihar, where caste-based census and population control measures have been politically charged issues.

Reacting to the statement, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) spokesperson Mrityunjay Tiwari said, “Leaders of the BJP often speak about population control, and now the RSS chief is advocating for more children. The BJP and RSS should first resolve their own contradictions. While the government promotes awareness campaigns for population control, such statements encourage having more children.”

The Janata Dal (United) also criticised Bhagwat’s comments. Party spokesperson Arvind Nishad remarked, “Before making such statements, the RSS chief should consult BJP leaders who regularly speak on population control. In Bihar, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has worked as a role model in this regard. Kumar believes educating women is the key to population control.”