'Population explosion' in India is a big problem, says PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday expressed concern over ‘population explosion’ and talked about the importance of small families for providing the best possible future so that the next generation can be given the. He stressed that the central and state governments should launch measures to deal with the issue.

In his Independence Day speech, the prime minister said the issue of ever-rising population is a matter of concern and said that a small section of society, which keeps their families small, deserves respect. What they are doing is an act of patriotism, he said.

“Population explosion in India is a big problem for us and our future. An enlightened section in our society thinks hard before bringing a child into the world, if they can fulfill child's dreams. This small section limits his family, shows patriotism,” said PM Modi.

This is the first time the prime minister has raised the issue, even though a section of the BJP has been vocal about the matter. If the population is educated and healthy, the country too will be educated and healthy, he added.

He also talked about abolition of Triple Talaq and said that the decision was taken to ‘give equal right to Muslim sisters and for political gains.’

“Remember how scared Muslim women were, those who suffered due to the practice of Triple Talaq, but we ended that. When Islamic nations can ban it then why can't we? When we can ban Sati, when we can take strong steps against female infanticide, child marriage, then why not this, PM Modi said.

The prime minister also condoled the death of people in recent floods and assured affected people of all help.

"The country is reeling under floods and heavy rains in some parts, I express my empathy," said PM Modi.

"Today when the country wakes up to yet another independence day, there are many affected due to floods. Bodies such as NDRF are fighting to resolve such issues. I want to reach out to everybody," he added.

He also talked about various welfare schemes that his government has launched for the welfare of the common man.

"In the last five years, we tried to improve the ease of living. We will work harder in the next five years,” he said.

This is PM Modi's sixth Independence Day speech and the first after returning to power with a massive mandate, from the ramparts of the Red Fort.