Punjab Four Children Proposal Sparks Debate Over Sikh Population Decline

Punjab BJP Leader Raises Four Children Proposal

Punjab BJP state general secretary Dr Jagmohan Singh Raju has written to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, urging the state government to introduce a cash incentive for Sikh families who choose to have more children. His suggestion comes in the backdrop of concerns over the Sikh population decline in Punjab.

In his letter, Raju said every Sikh family in Punjab should consider having four children. He requested the government to study a policy similar to Andhra Pradesh’s recent proposal that offers financial support for third and fourth children. The Punjab four children proposal, according to him, is aimed at protecting the social and cultural strength of the Sikh community.

Concern Over Sikh Population Decline In Punjab

Raju claimed that NFHS data show the fertility rate among Sikhs is among the lowest in major communities. He also noted that the Sikh share in Punjab’s population declined from 62.95 per cent in 1991 to 57.69 per cent in the 2011 Census.

He said the issue should be treated as a serious Punjab demographic concern, adding that a Punjab Sikh family incentive could help preserve Sikh heritage, identity, and community strength. Raju later clarified that the statement was his personal opinion and not the official position of the BJP. He said the changing demography of Punjab must be discussed seriously to protect Sikh culture and heritage.