Indore (Madhya Pradesh): Pandit Vishnu Rajoria, President of the Parashuram Kalyan Board of the Madhya Pradesh Government, has announced a Rs 1 lakh award to couples bearing four children. He was speaking at the Parshuram Kalyan Board Parichay Sammelan of the Sanadhya Brahmin Sabha held in Indore.
He encouraged Brahmin couples to bear more children to protect the country from foreigners' invasion.
"Aane wali peedhi ki raksha apke hath mein hai. Aaj kal yuva ek bachha karte hain bas. Kam se kam 4 bacche toh hona hi chahye. Rs 1 lakh ka inaam Parshuram Kalyaan Board dega. Bachhe paida karne mein peeche nahi rehena warna vidharbhi log desh par kabza kar lenge."
(Today, most couples opt for a single child. In order to protect our country from invasion, couples should at least bear four children. Those who have four children will be given a reward of one lakh rupees by the Parashuram Kalyan Board.)
Rajoria clarifies after controversial remark
The statement soon sparked controversy across the state, compelling Rajoria to issue a clarification on Monday.
Speaking to media in state capital Bhopal, Rajoria said, "That was my personal statement. It has nothing to do with the government's decision. The Brahmin community is capable of implementing this decision. I gave this statement in a social program.
He further said that it was his 'social effort' to help revive the declining Brahmin population—which, according to him, has halved in comparison to 1951.
