In order to control the population in Muslim-dominated areas, the Assam government is preparing to form a Population Army. State Chief Minister Hemant Biswa Sharma gave information about this in the assembly on Monday. He told that the army of one thousand youth will reach different areas and distribute contraceptives. People have already opposed many proposals of CM regarding population control.
Giving information to the gathering, the CM said, “The population is increasing in the western and northern parts of the state. Around 1000 youths from four chaporis will be involved in spreading awareness about population control measures and distributing contraceptives. We are a group of ASHA workers. We are preparing to form a separate team, which will be given the task of birth control and contraceptive delivery.” He said, “From 2001 to 2011, the population growth of Hindus in Assam was 10 per cent. Whereas in the case of Muslims it was 29 per cent. Due to less population, the lifestyle of Hindus in Assam has improved due to large houses, vehicles. Children are becoming doctors and engineers.”
On the Assam government’s plan, CM Himanta Biswa Sharma informed that 10,000 ASHA workers will be appointed to distribute contraceptive items among Muslim women. In addition, a population army consisting of 1,000 youth will be set up to create awareness among the community members.
According to the CM, they are working hard for measures to control the growing population in the state. However, it is not yet clear on what basis they have given the figures they have presented. He further said, ‘The people of upper Assam will not be able to understand the struggles that the people of western and central Assam are facing due to the high population.’ Along with this, he has talked about educating people in these areas with more population.