Population rise not linked to religion: NGO report
The Population Foundation of India (PFI), a well-known non-government organisation (NGO) that advocates population health and development strategies, has asserted that population growth rates are independent of religious affiliation, noting a decline in the total fertility rate (TFR) across all religious communities, with the most significant decrease observed among Muslims. This statement comes amidst a debate surrounding the perceived increase in minority population in India.
A recent working paper compiled by the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) indicated that while the Hindu population share decreased by 7.82 per cent from 1950 to 2015, the Muslim population saw an increase of 43.15 per cent, suggesting an environment conducive to diversity in the country.
This study sparked a contentious debate among political parties, with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) attributing the rise in Muslim population to what it labelled as “appeasement politics” of the Congress.
Addressing recent media reports allegedly misrepresenting the study’s findings to stoke fears regarding Muslim population growth, the PFI expressed a deep concern. It emphasised that the study’s examination of changes in majority and minority religious group shares over a 65-year period should not be exploited to instigate fear or discrimination against any community.
Citing census data spanning from 1951 to 2011, the NGO highlighted a declining decadal growth rate for Muslims over the past three decades. Specifically, the growth rate dropped from 32.9 per cent in 1981-1991 to 24.6 per cent in 2001-2011, a decline more pronounced than that of Hindus during the same period.
The NGO underscored that fertility rates are declining across all religious groups, with the highest decrease observed among Muslims. It refuted interpretations suggesting otherwise, emphasising that such selective portrayal of data ignores broader demographic trends.
Poonam Muttreja, Executive Director of the Population Foundation of India, emphasizsd that fertility rates are closely linked to education and income levels, not religion. She pointed out that states with better access to education and healthcare, such as Kerala and Tamil Nadu, exhibit lower TFRs across all religious groups.
Additionally, the NGO highlighted successful family planning programmes in Muslim-majority countries like Bangladesh and Indonesia, attributing their lower birth rates to factors such as higher female education levels, increased employment opportunities and better access to contraceptive options. This, the NGO argued, demonstrates that fertility decline is influenced by developmental factors rather than religious affiliation.
