The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and its affiliated organisations raised serious concerns over demographic imbalance in India at the conclusion of a three-day all-India coordination meeting in Gudilova, near Visakhapatnam, on Friday, 21 August, warning that such shifts are affecting social harmony in certain regions of the country.

Key Concerns Raised

RSS Joint General Secretary C.R. Mukund, briefing reporters after the meeting, said deliberations centred on the twin challenges of a declining fertility rate and a sharp population rise in certain communities alongside a decline in others. 'Fertility rate coming down is one issue, but there is also demographic imbalance, which we have discussed. This is affecting social harmony in some regions,' Mukund said.

The meeting noted that while India currently holds the distinction of having the world's largest youth population, demographic scientists have reportedly projected that India could face challenges similar to those seen in ageing societies within the next three to four decades. The RSS said it examined India's position in the broader global context of declining fertility rates and ageing populations.

What the Sangh Plans to Do

Mukund indicated that the organisation is in an active planning phase regarding the demographic question. 'We discussed what we can do as NGOs and other Sangh-inspired organisations. We are thinking and planning,' he said. No specific policy prescriptions or timelines were announced at this stage.

Discussions also covered the need to maintain social balance while addressing changing demographic proportions across various regions and communities, and their broader societal impacts.

Youth, NEET Protests, and Drug Abuse

The meeting devoted significant attention to India's youth. Mukund said approximately 21,000 young volunteers participated in the Sangh's 21-day training camps this year, and that youth account for over 60 per cent of volunteers attending daily Shakhas across the country.

Responding to a query about the recent protest by youth at Jantar Mantar, Mukund attributed it to systemic failures. 'Wherever there are flaws in the system, addressing them requires awareness and effort from society alongside the government. Issues like NEET or other systemic problems give rise to anxiety among the youth regarding their future. It is essential to understand and resolve this concern,' he said, adding that protest alone would not provide solutions and that both government and society must work constructively.

The meeting also expressed serious concern over the growing menace of drug abuse among students and youth, calling for coordinated efforts involving educational institutions, parents, social organisations, the administration, and the police to build a drug-free society.

Background and Significance

This is among the most high-profile RSS coordination conclaves in recent years, bringing together leaders of a wide network of Sangh-affiliated organisations under one roof. The explicit flagging of 'demographic imbalance' as a threat to social harmony is notable — critics argue such framing can inflame community tensions, while the RSS maintains it is raising a legitimate governance and social planning concern. The meeting's conclusions are expected to shape the Sangh's outreach agenda in the months ahead.