One Nation, One Population Policy? Rashtra Sevika Samiti Revives the Conversation

Rashtra Sevika Samiti has urged the Central and state governments to implement a uniform population policy applicable to all communities along with the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) across the country, saying the measures are necessary to address what it described as "population imbalance."

The demand came through a resolution adopted on Sunday during the concluding session of the organisation's three-day Akhil Bharatiya Karyakarini and Pratinidhi Mandal meeting in Samalkha, Haryana, attended by 488 representatives from 40 provinces.

According to the resolution, the organisation expressed concern over changing demographic trends, stating that the Hindu population share declined from 84.68 per cent in 1951 to 78 per cent in 2015, while the Muslim population increased from below 10 per cent to 14 per cent during the same period. It argued that these trends warrant a fresh review of the country's population policy.

The Samiti maintained that implementing the Uniform Civil Code would help eliminate issues arising from demographic changes while contributing to national unity and long-term development.

The resolution also linked the issue to what it alleged were illegal infiltration by Rohingyas and Bangladeshi migrants, religious conversions, and "love jihad," claiming these factors were contributing to demographic changes. It further asserted that such developments could place additional pressure on employment opportunities, land availability, natural resources, and internal security.

The organisation appealed to Hindu society, particularly educated youth, to strengthen the institution of family, expressing concern that delayed marriages, having fewer children, or choosing not to have children for economic reasons were contributing to a declining population share.

The representative assembly also urged governments to take immediate steps to curb what it described as increasing religious conversions, love jihad, and illegal infiltration.

Founded in 1936, Rashtra Sevika Samiti functions as a women's organisation parallel to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh ( RSS). During the meeting, it reviewed its activities over the past six months, stating that its organisational network has expanded to 4,886 branches, 1,173 Milan units, and 1,332 service projects spread across 852 districts nationwide.

The gathering also discussed preparations for the organisation's 90th anniversary celebrations and deliberated on issues related to women, youth, and the prevailing social landscape, while exploring possible solutions through its organisational initiatives.