RSS Chief Bhagwat Urges Families To Have More Than Three Children, Says TFR Above 2.1 Is Essential For Survival

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat called on the people to reproduce more than two or three children, citing that Total Fertility Rate (TFR) should not be less than 2.1.

In the Kathale Kul Sammelan address in Nagpur on Sunday (1 December), Bhagwat said in Marathi that as per modern population science, if TFR goes below 2.1, that society vanishes from the earth.

"The decline in population is a matter of concern. If TFR goes below 2.1, that society gets destroyed even when there is no crisis. In that way, many languages ​​and societies were destroyed," the RSS chief said.

"Our country's population policy was decided in 1998 or 2002. But it is also said in it that the population of a society should not be less than 2.1. We need more than two or three, this is what population science says," he added.

Between 1992-93 and 2019-21, India’s Total Fertility Rate (TFR) declined from 3.4 to 2, with a particularly notable drop in rural areas. A TFR of 2.1 is considered the "replacement-level fertility."

Since not all infants survive to reach reproductive age, the replacement-level TFR is slightly above two to account for such variations. This ensures each generation can sustain its population.

Bhagwat emphasised that maintaing population is important for the survival of the society. He also stressed the importance of family instituion for passing on core systems and values.

The remarks come amid growing concerns from South Indian Chief Ministers over the ageing population in their states. In October, Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu encouraged families to have more children.

Following Naidu’s comments, Tamil Nadu CM M K Stalin of the DMK made light-hearted remarks about changing attitudes toward family size, linking it to concerns over the potential impact of population trends.