Population Foundation Of India Calls Out Misreporting Of Population By PM-EAC
The PFI urged the media to refrain from using demographic studies to sow fear and division
The Population Foundation of India (PFI) has raised concerns over recent media reports misrepresenting findings from a study by the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister, titled "Share of Religious Minorities: A Cross-Country Analysis (1950-2015)," to stoke fears regarding the growth of the Muslim population.
In a press statement, Poonam Muttreja, Executive Director of the PFI, expressed dismay over the inaccurate portrayal of data by certain media outlets. She stated, "The media's selective portrayal of data to highlight the increase in the Muslim population is an example of misrepresentation that ignores broader demographic trends."
The study, which examines changes in the share of majority and minority religious groups globally over a 65-year period, should not be used to fuel fear or discrimination against any community, emphasised Muttreja.
Quoting Census of India data, Muttreja highlighted the declining decadal growth rate among Muslims over the past three decades, which fell from 32.9 per cent in 1981-1991 to 24.6 per cent in 2001-2011. She noted, "The census data, available from 1951 to 2011, is quite similar to the data in this study, indicating that these numbers are not new."
Furthermore, Muttreja underscored the declining Total Fertility Rate (TFR) among all religious groups, with the highest decrease observed among Muslims. "The most effective way to manage population growth is through investment in education, economic development and gender equity," she remarked, emphasising the critical role of women's education in reducing fertility rates.
The PFI urged the media to refrain from using demographic studies to sow fear and division. Muttreja stressed the importance of presenting data accurately and contextually, emphasising the role of education, income and socioeconomic development in shaping demographic trends.
The statement also highlighted the contrasting population trajectories observed globally, with developed countries facing aging and declining populations, while certain regions in the developing world experience population growth, characterised by a large young population with vast potential.
The PFI's call comes amidst growing concerns over the misrepresentation of demographic data and underscores the importance of responsible reporting to foster informed public discourse on population issues.
