Pandit Vishnu Rajoria, head of the Parshuram Kalyan Board in Madhya Pradesh and a state cabinet minister, announced a controversial initiative offering Rs 1 lakh to Brahmin couples who have four children.
Speaking at an event in Indore, Rajoria expressed “concerns about the declining focus on family among the younger generation and urged them to take responsibility for the nation’s future by raising larger families.”
“I urge young couples to have at least four children. Many stop at just one, which I find problematic,” Rajoria said.
He said that the reward would be available irrespective of his position as the board’s president, adding that it was his personal initiative and not a government program.
Rajoria also addressed financial concerns related to raising children, stating, “Despite the high cost of education today, families must prioritize having children. If we fail to act, heretics will dominate the country.”
He added that the Brahmin community could support education and career training for these children.
The announcement drew sharp criticism. Congress leader Mukesh Nayak questioned Rajoria’s stance, describing population growth as a major global challenge.
“Fewer children mean better education and opportunities for a brighter future,” Nayak argued.
He dismissed fears about Muslims outnumbering Hindus as baseless and called for unity instead of division.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) distanced itself from Rajoria’s remarks, saying that the government operates within constitutional frameworks.
“Decisions about family size are personal and should not be influenced by such statements,” the BJP said in response.
