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

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Tuesday, Sep 14, 2004

Opinion

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Census follies

Sir, — This refers to the editorial, "Census follies" (Sept. 13). The Census figures have become a tool for the Bharatiya Janata Party and the rest of the Sangh Parivar to further their communal agenda. The data gave rise to an unnecessary controversy with regard to the increase in the Muslim population.

It had to be put at rest by the Census Commissioner by adjusting the figures — something that could have been avoided if they had not been released in haste.

R. Murali Kumar,
Chennai

* * *

Sir, — The observation that the Census data has become a weapon in the hands of parties with a divisive agenda is true. Population control has to be achieved by creating awareness.

Socio-economic factors should be taken into consideration while devising ways to tackle the issue.

T. Prabhakara Rao,
Machilipatnam, A.P.

* * *

Sir, — How is it that the Census department, whose job it is to produce accurate numbers, got it wrong when publishing the population growth rate of various religious groups ? Besides, population growth alone should not be of concern to policy makers or ideologues. What should be of concern are education and health care.

Shailesh Kumar,
Bangalore

* * *

Sir, — When Zakir Hussain became President he was asked whether his ascendancy to the post meant the triumph of secularism. He replied: "Secularism triumphs when you don't know my religion." The controversy generated by the Census report is a serious blot on secularism.

Mathew Koshy,
Tiruvalla, Kerala

Chennai

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