Sir — The data on Population by Religious Communities of Census 2011 has revealed the rough religion-wise figures of India’s population. The social demography of India has not undergone any significant change during the 10-year period between 2001 and 2011. The demographic changes are no cause of concern to any quarter.
To say that the Hindu population has declined and the Muslim population has increased, by citing marginal variations, is to spread misinformation and stir emotions. Hindutva votaries can draw comfort from the fact that the Muslim population has grown slower than in the previous decades. While the Muslim population is still growing at a faster rate than the Hindu population, the gap between the two growth rates is narrowing fast.
The data should not be cited to claim that ‘Hindus are being reduced to a minority’ and that ‘Muslim women have become child-bearing factories’. To ask anyone of any religious persuasion to breed prolifically to swell the ranks of a religious fold, is to profane sexual reproduction.
There is empirical evidence to link poverty with higher growth rate. The problem of over population is better tackled by improving the quality of life of the poor. Another area of concern is the unequal gender ratio. It calls for greater awareness about the value of the girl child.