Guwahati, 30 December (HS): Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday sparked a renewed political and social debate by voicing concerns over population trends in the state and calling upon Hindu families in minority-dominated or sensitive areas to consider having more children.

Addressing the issue through a social media post and later during interactions with the media, Sarma said changing demographic patterns warranted serious attention. He observed that in several pockets of Assam, the Hindu population was either already in a minority or gradually approaching that status, largely due to differences in birth rates among communities.

The Chief Minister maintained that while birth rates among Hindus were steadily declining, the Muslim population continued to record comparatively higher numbers. According to him, such disparities could lead to long-term social and cultural consequences if not addressed in time.

“In areas where Hindus are fewer in number or nearing minority status, families should not limit themselves to a single child,” Sarma said. He suggested that having at least two children — and even three, where feasible — would help maintain social continuity. He linked the issue to family sustainability, remarking that shrinking family sizes could pose challenges in the future.

Clarifying his position, Sarma said the government also consistently discouraged large families within the Muslim community. He stated that Muslim families were advised against having excessively high numbers of children, asserting that his remarks were intended to promote demographic balance rather than single out any group.

The Chief Minister’s comments come against the backdrop of ongoing debates in Assam over population growth, migration, land ownership and cultural identity — themes that have long influenced the state’s political landscape. While his supporters view the statement as an acknowledgment of demographic realities, critics are likely to raise concerns over the communal tone of population-related discourse and its wider social implications.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash