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An Indian politician suggested that each family should have three children after the country’s fertility rate fell below two children per woman. Mohan Bhagwat, head of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), made this recommendation at a lecture celebrating the RSS’s 100th anniversary on Thursday.
The United Nations Population Fund reported in its 2025 World Population Prospects that India’s fertility rate was 1.9 children per woman, below the generally accepted replacement rate of 2.1 births per woman (needed to maintain stable population without immigration). This decline signaled an accelerating shift towards an older population, which could reduce the working-age population and increase the number of elderly dependents.
India’s aging demographic is a growing challenge. In some regions like Goa and Uttarakhand, schools have been closing due to declining student enrollment. Additionally, some elders are being abandoned by their children in certain areas.
While India remains the world’s most populous country with an estimated 1.46 billion people, its fertility rate sits at about 1.9 births per woman. Bhagwat argued that the population should be “controlled yet sufficient,” and warned of consequences for communities whose birth rates fall too low.
He stated: “All scriptures in the world say that communities whose birth rate falls below three go extinct. So it’s important to maintain it above three, as is done in all countries and societies.” Bhagwat further rejected accusations of opposing Muslims, pointing towards higher birth rates among Muslim populations.
Bhagwat’s call for larger families echoes concerns from government advisers and demographers that India could face future labor shortages and economic strain due to its aging population. He emphasized the importance of mutual trust among communities.
Poonam Muttreja, executive director of the Population Foundation of India, noted how gender inequality contributes to declining fertility rates. She suggested that policies must enable women to balance work and caregiving effectively.
Whether Bhagwat’s call for larger families gains traction remains uncertain. However, as this phase may last until 2055, policymakers have roughly three decades to adapt systems of education, healthcare, and employment to new realities.
While India still benefits from a demographic dividend—a working-age population that exceeds the dependent population—this window is expected to close in coming decades, giving policymakers time to adjust.
