RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat stern warning on Population Growth Rate

On Sunday, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat addressed a gathering at the ‘Kathale Kul Sammelan’ in Nagpur, where he discussed the critical role of population growth in the stability of society. Bhagwat emphasized that the population growth rate should not fall below 2.1, a figure considered essential for maintaining a sustainable population size. He explained that, according to population science, a fertility rate below this threshold would lead to the gradual decline of society. He stated, “If we go below 2.1, then that society perishes, no one will destroy it, it will perish by itself.”

Bhagwat referred to India’s population policy, which was developed in the late 1990s or early 2000s, and which set 2.1 as the target fertility rate. This rate is considered the replacement level, meaning that, on average, each woman needs to have 2.1 children to replace herself and her partner, preventing population decline. The RSS chief underscored that maintaining a fertility rate higher than 2.1, ideally around 3, would be beneficial for societal stability and survival.

India’s Total Fertility Rate (TFR), which measures the number of children born per woman, has been steadily decreasing. In the 1950s, India’s TFR was approximately 6.0, indicating that women on average had six children during their lifetime. Over the decades, this rate has dropped significantly, reaching below 2 in recent years. The TFR falling below 2 is seen as a sign of population aging, which may result in a shrinking workforce and an increasing dependency ratio, where fewer working-age people support the elderly population.

Bhagwat explained that the decline in population could have far-reaching consequences for society. He mentioned that several societies and cultures that failed to maintain a stable population have experienced the loss of their languages and identities. According to modern population science, once a society’s fertility rate drops below 2.1, it signals the beginning of its decline. This decline could lead to diminished economic productivity, a lack of social cohesion, and challenges in sustaining national cultural heritage.

The RSS chief also expressed concern about population imbalances between different communities in India, warning that such imbalances could lead to shifts in geographical boundaries and affect the overall stability of the country. He suggested that it is crucial for India to implement a comprehensive population policy that applies equally to all communities, ensuring that no particular group’s fertility rate significantly outpaces or lags behind others. Such imbalances could potentially lead to tensions and affect the social fabric of the nation.

Bhagwat further advocated for the empowerment of women, calling for equal rights for women in all spheres of life. He emphasized that women should have the freedom to participate in decision-making processes and contribute to economic and social development. He argued that by providing women with equal opportunities, societies can harness the full potential of their population and ensure sustainable growth. Equal rights and empowerment, he noted, are essential components of a stable and progressive society.