Pune: Union Minister of State for Social Justice Ramdas Athawale has called for the implementation of a 'One-Child Policy' (Hum Do, Hamara Ek) law in India to address population control and communal harmony.
Currently, the country lacks a uniform civil code, which is present in some states but not nationwide. Athawale argued that to resolve conflicts between Hindus and Muslims and to manage the burgeoning population, such a law is necessary.
The population of India has surged from 300-350 million at the time of independence to 1.4 billion today. Athawale suggested that India could take a cue from China's population control measures.
Athawale made these remarks during a student interaction program at the Lady Ramabai Hall, organized by the Shikshan Prasarak Mandali and Shramik Brigade.
Responding to student queries, he emphasized that reservations are available to many castes and that caste-based identity is still prevalent in society. Although caste may not be officially recorded in legal documents, it remains significant in people's minds.
Athawale mentioned that societal change is underway and that future generations might not need to declare their caste. He also advocated for caste-based census to understand the demographic composition of each caste.
Despite the legal abolition of caste, the census would provide valuable data. The last census was conducted in 2011, and the 2021 census is yet to be carried out.
Athawale opposed the privatization of government industries but acknowledged the challenges in government operations. Privatization began during the Congress era. He demanded that private sectors implement reservations for SC, ST, and OBC communities to ensure equal opportunities.
RPI's National Party Ambition
Athawale also highlighted the electoral successes of the Republican Party of India (RPI) in Manipur and Nagaland, where the party secured two seats each.
In Manipur, RPI garnered 17% of the votes. If RPI receives more than 6% of the votes in two additional states, it will be recognized as a national party. Athawale expressed his intention to work towards this goal.