麻豆社

India has a population of almost 1.4 billion people and is expected to become the most populous country in the world, overtaking China, by 2027, according to the United Nations. And now, India's most populous state, has unveiled a controversial bill to curb population growth. With over 220 million people, Uttar Pradesh says it'll deny government jobs, subsidies and the right to contest local polls - to anyone who has more than two children. Critics say it's likely to encourage sex selective abortions and further impede minorities' rights in a state, which is often challenged for its divisive, right-wing Hindu nationalist image.

So, should the government strengthen education and healthcare campaigns to stabilise population growth? Or, do fertility rates require stricter governance in more states across India?

Presenter: Devina Gupta

Contributors: Dr SY Quraishi, former chief election commissioner, India; Gopika Kaul, parent; PKD Nambiar, political strategist and commentator