The Hindu : Opinion / Letters to the Editor : Census report

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Thursday, Sep 09, 2004

Opinion

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Census report

Sir, — This refers to the 2001 census report. The increase in the growth rate of the Muslim population and the decrease in the growth rate among Hindus have triggered many reactions. The reason for the decline in the growth rate of Hindus is the separate categorisation of Jains; in 1991, they were categorised as Hindus. Also, the Adivasis this time insisted on being categorised as belonging to "other religions" unlike in 1991 when they were described as Hindus.

Yasser Arafath,
Vanimel, Kerala

Sir, — The BJP president, Venkaiah Naidu's concern over the country's demographics is communal in nature. Would he have been equally alarmed had the growth rate of the Hindu population been more than that of the Muslim population? Population control needs to be stressed for all religious groups.

Gaurav Dua,
New Delhi

Sir, — The BJP propaganda that in another 50 years Muslims will outnumber Hindus is alarmingly communal. The 1991 figures do not include those of Jammu and Kashmir with a predominantly Muslim population whereas the 2001 figures are inclusive of Jammu and Kashmir.

G. Radhakrishnan,
Thiruvananthapuram

Sir, — Political parties and religious leaders should analyse the literacy rate and the sex ratio. We have to raise the quality of life of all Indians, not just one particular community or religious group.

Sushil Mehra,
Bangalore

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