New Delhi, The Population Foundation of India (PFI), a non-governmental organization, has criticized recent media reports on a study regarding the demographic trends within India’s Muslim population, labeling these reports as misleading and potentially biased.
According to Kashmir Media Service, amidst a surge in media attention and political commentary on the growth of the Muslim population in India, the PFI has expressed concerns over the accuracy and portrayal of these demographic changes. The study in question, “Share of Religious Minorities: A Cross-Country Analysis (1950-2015)” by the Indian Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council, reported a significant rise in the Muslim population share from 9.84% in 1950 to 14.09% in 2015, while the Hindu population share declined from 84.68% to 78.06% over the same period.
The report has sparked considerable debate, with the PFI urging a more thorough examination of the data to prevent misinterpretation and misrepresentation of the facts. The organization is concerned about how these demographic statistics are being used in public discourse, emphasizing the need for accurate reporting and responsible communication, especially given that the last official Census in India was conducted in 2011, and the anticipated 2021 Census has been indefinitely delayed.