Don’t take narrow view of population growth: Jitan Ram Manjhi

Patna, April 25 Union Minister of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Jitan Ram Manjhi on Saturday stirred debate with his remarks on population while addressing the media in Gaya.

He asserted that society should not adopt a narrow-minded approach toward population growth or having children.​

His statement came in response to remarks attributed to Dhirendra Krishna Shastri alias Bageshwar Baba, who, during a recent visit to Nagpur, had reportedly urged people to have four children and dedicate one to the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS).​

Reacting to the controversy, Jitan Ram Manjhi said he was not fully aware of the exact context of Direndra Krishna Shastri’s statement but emphasised a broader perspective on population.​

“One should not display a narrow mindset when it comes to increasing the population or having children,” he said.​

Expanding on his views, the Union MSME Minister remarked, “A person is not born merely with a mouth to feed, but also with hands to work and a brain to think. It is impossible to predict how great an individual a child may become. If employment opportunities are created and governance is carried out effectively, everyone can be supported.”​

Jitan Ram Manjhi further noted that India’s current population stands at around 140 crore and drew a historical analogy, stating that in ancient times, when the population was also vast, India was regarded as a ‘Vishwa Guru’ (global leader), without strict concerns over population size.​

Clarifying his stance, the Union MSME Minister said he was not explicitly advocating unchecked population growth, but stressed that if the population increases, it becomes essential to focus on education, skill development, and entrepreneurship.​

Jitan Ram Manjhi's statement has sparked discussion in political circles, with observers suggesting it could intensify the ongoing debate over population policy in Bihar.​

The BJP’s ideological body, RSS, always promotes a higher birth rate of the Hindu population in India.​

--IANS

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