Understanding the Population and Demographic Challenge

Other states that scrapped the two-child policy include Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.

- 

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.

"If population is used correctly, it is not a burden, but rather a means. We have a demographic dividend. China is getting old. We are going to remain young for the next 30 years... We also have to think about the population. How many people can our country feed after 50 years... A comprehensive policy is required," he had said. In 2004 and 2015, the RSS passed resolutions on population control policy.

In 2015, Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader Champat Rai said family planning "was not a personal matter for Hindus anymore and if they adhered to the one-child norm, Muslims would take over the country."