Need law to check population, revoke voting rights of violators: Union min

Union minister Giriraj Singh here Tuesday advocated for a law to control the population in the country, noting that it was becoming an impediment for development and social harmony.

The Minister of State, Independent Charge, in the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Entreprises (MSME) also threatened to resign over the issue, saying he could go to "any extent" for it.

Singh was here to participate in a programme organised by the Jansankya Samadhaan Foundation, its activists and office-bearers handed over a memorandum to him seeking support for the law.

Citing different sources, he said India's population is equal to that of China, higher than 125 crore as believed, but resources like land and water are limited.

"For development and social harmony in the country, controlling the population is important," Singh, Lok Sabha MP from Bihar's Nawada, told reporters.

"Development is also hampered by overpopulation and it is evident if you go to any road (traffic), school, hospital, and is also impacting employment opportunities. That is why it is very important that a law is framed in the country to control population," he said.

Noting that population control programmes were being carried out in 22 Islamic countries and it was only in India where such initiatives are linked to religion, he said the law should be such that it applies to all the communities and action taken against violators, including revoking their voting rights.

"If the law says only two children are allowed, Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Jains, Buddhists, and all others should follow it. Those who do not follow the law, their voting rights should be revoked, action on their finances be taken, legal proceedings initiated against them.

"Until that happens, the country would face reducing land, water, worsening environment and limiting of other resources," he said.

Asked if he would "resign" to press for such a law, as mentioned in a press statement by the foundation, he said, "I am ready to go to any extent for people's awakening."