11 May 2024: The Population Foundation of India (PFI) has raised concerns over recent media reports regarding the growth of India’s Muslim population, calling them misleading and urging for a closer examination of potential biases or inaccuracies.
Amidst widespread coverage and political commentary on the demographic shifts within India, the PFI scrutinized a study titled “Share of Religious Minorities: A Cross-Country Analysis (1950-2015)” released by the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council (PM-EAC). The study purportedly highlights changes in the population shares of religious minorities across 167 countries over six decades.
Several news outlets emphasized a significant increase in the Muslim population’s share from 9.84% in 1950 to 14.09% in 2015, marking a 43.15% rise. In contrast, the Hindu population’s share reportedly decreased from 84.68% to 78.06% during the same period, a decline of 7.82%.
However, the PFI has questioned the accuracy and context of these findings, citing the need for a more comprehensive analysis. With the last Census of India conducted in 2011 and the 2021 Census indefinitely delayed, the foundation underscores the importance of relying on credible data sources for accurate assessments of population trends.
The PFI’s statement comes amidst ongoing debates surrounding population dynamics in India and the implications for social, economic, and political landscapes. By challenging the narratives shaped by selective interpretations of data, the foundation aims to promote evidence-based discourse and policy formulation.
As discussions on population continue to evoke diverse perspectives and interpretations, the PFI’s intervention underscores the importance of rigorous research and data-driven analysis in shaping informed public discourse and policymaking.
The Population Foundation of India’s call for a nuanced understanding of demographic trends serves as a reminder of the complexity and sensitivity surrounding issues of population dynamics, emphasizing the need for comprehensive and objective analysis in addressing societal challenges and promoting inclusive development.
Through its advocacy efforts, the foundation seeks to foster a culture of evidence-based policymaking and public dialogue, grounded in a commitment to accuracy, integrity, and social justice.
In a landscape marked by polarizing narratives and competing interests, the foundation’s stance reflects a commitment to upholding the principles of transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in navigating complex issues of population and development.
