‘One-Child Mindset Hurting Punjab’: Assembly Speaker Urges Families To Have More Children

File photo of Punjab Assembly speaker. (PTI)

Punjab Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan has urged families in the state to abandon what he described as a “one-child mindset” and consider having two or three children to ensure the continuity of future generations. Addressing a gathering in Kotkapura on Monday, Sandhwan said the growing preference for single-child families was hurting Punjab’s demographic balance.

According to a Times of India report, he noted that many young people, often the only child in their families — leave India to settle abroad, leaving ageing parents without support. This trend, he said, was contributing to a shrinking youth population.

“Punjabis seem to be the only ones who took family-planning slogans so seriously. We are now feeling the pinch,” Sandhwan remarked, urging parents to rethink their choices.

Sandhwan had made similar remarks on November 8, arguing that in a state grappling with drug addiction, parents with only one child face severe emotional and practical consequences if that child falls into substance abuse. Having more than one child, he suggested, provides families greater security.

His comments echo the views of several groups, including Sikh seminary Damdami Taksal, which has previously expressed concerns over declining family sizes.

However, the position contrasts sharply with that of Congress MLA Bawa Henry, who on July 3 pushed for a two-child policy in Punjab. Henry introduced a private member’s bill proposing population-control measures, including fines and the revocation of voting rights for couples who exceed the limit.