Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale on Saturday called upon the Union government to expedite the creation and implementation of a national population policy, citing what he described as a “demographic imbalance” developing across India. Speaking at a press briefing after the conclusion of the RSS’s three-day all-India executive meeting in Jabalpur, Hosabale emphasized that the issue had reached a critical point and required both administrative and societal efforts for resolution.

According to Hosabale, the country’s demographic composition is undergoing changes that could have long-term implications for social and national stability. He attributed these changes to three primary factors — infiltration from neighboring countries, religious conversions, and what he termed the “high progeny rate” among certain communities. “The demographic imbalance is occurring for three reasons,” he stated, “First are Bangladeshi and Pakistani infiltrators. Second is conversion. Third is the high progeny rate of some communities in particular.”

Hosabale reiterated that these factors must be addressed comprehensively and with urgency. “All three issues need to be addressed. There are laws to prevent religious conversions, but efforts will also have to be made from a social perspective,” he said, suggesting that legal measures alone would not be sufficient to correct the demographic shifts he pointed out.

‘The Sooner, The Better’ — Hosabale on Population Policy

Hosabale underscored that population control is fundamentally the responsibility of the government, not just civil society. He referenced prior statements by government leaders acknowledging the need for population management and urged immediate action. “As I mentioned, in terms of population control, it is the government’s responsibility to implement a population policy. The government has spoken about this openly — in public meetings as well as in Parliament,” he said.

Emphasizing the urgency of the matter, he added in Hindi, “Woh population policy jitni jaldi hogi, utna uska laabh hai” — meaning, “The sooner the population policy is implemented, the greater its benefits will be.” The RSS leader’s remarks indicate that the organization views population regulation as a pressing national priority, linking demographic stability with long-term national security and social harmony.

Hosabale’s comments come in the backdrop of the Union government’s earlier announcements on the issue. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his Independence Day address in 2025, had spoken about a high-powered national mission to study and address India’s changing demographic trends. The mission was expected to examine challenges related to population density, resource distribution, and the socio-economic impact of varying birth rates across regions and communities.

Likewise, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, in her February 2024 Union Budget speech delivered before the Lok Sabha elections, had announced the establishment of a high-level committee to assess “fast population growth and demographic changes.” The committee was tasked with examining population-related challenges and proposing recommendations for a future policy framework. However, as Hosabale pointed out, there has been no significant update from the government on either of these initiatives since the announcements.

Broader Context: RSS’s Stand on Population and Demographics

The RSS has, for several years, expressed concern over what it perceives as demographic changes that could affect India’s cultural and social equilibrium. The organization has often called for policies that encourage uniform population growth rates across all communities and regions. Hosabale’s latest remarks align with this longstanding position, emphasizing the need for balance and planning in managing population growth.

In previous RSS forums and annual meetings, leaders have highlighted the importance of population policy as part of broader national planning. They have argued that unchecked demographic shifts could strain economic resources, affect employment opportunities, and alter the demographic composition of border regions — particularly those adjoining Bangladesh.

By invoking the phrase “jitna jaldi, utna laabh,” Hosabale made it clear that the RSS views time as a critical factor. The statement reflects a sense of urgency and a belief that delays in formulating a population control framework could have long-term consequences for the nation’s socio-economic fabric.

Response to Political Criticism: Hosabale on Kharge’s Remarks

During the same media interaction, Hosabale also responded to recent remarks by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, who had called for a ban on the RSS. Dismissing the demand, Hosabale said that such decisions cannot be taken based on personal opinions or political disagreements. “There must be valid reasons to impose a ban. It cannot happen just because someone wishes so,” he said.

Elaborating on the point, Hosabale questioned the logic behind such statements. “If a leader says that an organisation working for the unity, security, and culture of India should be banned, he must also state the reason,” he remarked, defending the RSS’s role in nation-building.

Kharge’s comments, made a day earlier in Delhi, had drawn political attention. The Congress president told reporters, “It is my personal opinion, and I will say it openly — it should be done,” alleging that many law and order problems in the country stem from the activities of the RSS and the BJP. His remarks, reported by news agency PTI, sparked a sharp response from RSS leaders and BJP spokespersons who accused the Congress of indulging in divisive rhetoric.

In reply, Hosabale maintained that those calling for bans on the RSS should “learn from past experiences,” referring to the organisation’s temporary bans in India’s history — each of which was later lifted after judicial or political review. He asserted that the RSS’s work continues to focus on fostering “unity, security, and cultural pride” among Indians and that attempts to malign it would not succeed.

The Political and Policy Backdrop

Hosabale’s remarks come at a politically significant time, as debates around population control, demographic policy, and national identity continue to intensify. Several states, including Uttar Pradesh and Assam, have previously discussed or proposed state-level population policies aimed at encouraging smaller family norms through incentives and disincentives. Critics, however, have warned that such policies could disproportionately affect marginalized communities or women, depending on their implementation.

The Union government has not yet introduced a national population control law but has periodically reiterated the need for awareness and voluntary family planning. Meanwhile, the RSS’s emphasis on population policy reflects a push for a stronger central framework that could standardize demographic management across the country.

The idea of demographic balance has often been politically charged, intersecting with discussions around migration, religious demography, and national integration. While government officials have typically framed population policy as a development issue tied to resource management and economic planning, the RSS’s framing places it in the context of national security and cultural equilibrium.

Looking Ahead

With the RSS being one of India’s most influential socio-cultural organizations and a key ideological pillar of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Hosabale’s comments are likely to amplify calls within the political establishment for renewed focus on population management. The emphasis on early implementation — “jitni jaldi hogi, utna laabh hoga” — signals a push from within the Sangh for the government to move from deliberation to action.

As the Union government continues to study demographic patterns and population growth trends, the policy debate is expected to evolve around balancing human development goals with demographic sustainability. The next few months could see greater clarity on whether the government intends to bring a formal population policy to Parliament — and how it might address the concerns raised by the RSS and other stakeholders.

For now, Hosabale’s remarks in Jabalpur serve as both a reminder and a message: that the Sangh believes India’s demographic trajectory must be carefully guided through swift, comprehensive policy measures to ensure long-term stability, security, and equitable development.