Bhagwat's suggestion that Indian couples should aim to have at least three children to bolster the nation's population, sparked not only a political backlash, but also raised significant concerns about the perception of reducing women to mere 'child bearers' while overlooking their autonomy and reproductive rights.
He cited a scientific concept known as the Total fertility rate (TFR), advocating for families to have three children instead of the familiar slogan of 'Hum Do Hamare Do' (We two, ours two). This well-known phrase was integral to India's national family planning programme and has been a staple in the public consciousness for decades. TFR represents the average number of children a woman is expected to bear throughout her reproductive years, serving as a key indicator of population growth and demographic health.
"Our country's population policy, formulated in 1998 or 2002, clearly says that the total fertility rate should not be below 2.1. Now when we say 2.1, it is not feasible to have children in fraction. So when we say 2.1, this means it should be more, at least three. Population science says so," Bhagwat said.
RSS' earlier stance Though population control policy has always been high on the BJP and RSS agenda, the RSS had adopted a measured approach to it. In his 2022 Vijayadashami speech, Bhagwat argued in favour of a comprehensive population control policy to tackle demographic challenges over the next 50 years. He also said that religion-based population balance is an important subject that can't be ignored.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Award Motivates Players Even More, Says Sanjay
AT 23, Sanjay was the youngest member of the Indian hockey team that won the bronze medal at the Paris Olympics.
Man United hold PL leaders Liverpool in thrilling encounter
CRISIS-HIT Manchester United held Liverpool to a 2-2 draw at Anfield on Sunday but the runaway Premier League leaders moved six points clear at the top of the table.
Karnataka in QFs, TN reach pre-quarters
KARNATAKA, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Vidarbha and Baroda secured direct qualifications for the quarterfinals of the Vijay Hazare Trophy following the seventh and last league stage of the tournament on Sunday.
MORE QUESTIONS THAN ANSWERS
On whether out-of-form players should play the last rounds of the Ranji Trophy I would always like everyone to play domestic cricket. That is how much importance domestic cricket needs to be given. Not only one game, if they are available and they have the commitment to play red-ball cricket, everyone should play domestic cricket. As simple as it can get. If you don't give importance to domestic cricket, you will never get the desired players that you want in Test cricket. On the future of Rohit and Virat I can't talk about the future of any player, it's up to them as well. But yes, what I can say is that they still have the hunger, they still have the passion, but ultimately as we all know whatever they plan, they will plan for the best interest of Indian cricket
Hard-fought win for 9-man Blasters in ISL
KERALA Blasters earned a hard-fought 1-0 away victory over Punjab FC in the Indian Super League in New Delhi on Sunday.
Why Fin Services in India Will Boom and Bloom
HERE was a cheer when India's stock market registered the 100 millionth (10 crore) investor account.
Banking stocks may stage a comeback in 2025
According to analysts, apart from fintech sector, e-commerce & IT services have huge growth potential this year
Crystal-Ball Gazing Across Asset Classes
It is not as much the stocks or mutual fund schemes one selects as much as it is the right asset allocation for a given period that contributes to wealth creation for an investor.
Rate cut to trigger growth: Muthoot
KOCHI-BASED Muthoot Microfin is hopeful of better days ahead, even as the industry faces headwinds.
FMCG makers expect inflation to hit volume growth, operating profit in Q3
HIT by inflation, higher input costs and pricing measures, fast-moving consumer goods companies are expected to see a contraction in their gross margin and a modest-to-flat operating profit in the October-December quarter.