Every couple should produce at least 3 kids, says RSS chief

PTI, NAGPUR, DEC 1, 2024 : Expressing concern over declining population growth, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Sunday said India’s Total Fertility Rate (TFR), the average number of children a woman gives birth to in her lifetime, should be at least 3, well above the present one of 2.1.

Speaking at the 'Kathale Kul (clan) Sammelan' in Nagpur, Bhagwat also highlighted the vital role of families and warned that according to population science, if a society's total fertility rate dips below 2.1, it could face extinction.

“A declining population is a serious concern. Demographic studies suggest that when a society’s total fertility rate falls below 2.1, it risks facing extinction. This decline does not necessarily require external threats; a society can gradually fade away on its own,” Bhagwat said.

“Many languages and cultures have already disappeared due to this issue. Thus, it is essential to maintain a fertility rate above 2.1,” Bhagwat said, and emphasized that "kutumb" (family) is an integral part of society and every family serves as a vital building block.

“Our country’s population policy, formulated either 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. The (population) science says so,” Bhagwat said.