Muslim growth less than in 2001

Hyderabad: AP and Telangana have witnessed over 34 and 15 percentage point growths of Muslims as per the 2011 census.

Experts, however, said that a closer look will reveal that the growth rate has decreased when compared to the previous decade i.e. the 2001 census.

Commenting on the growth rate of Muslims in TS being less when compared to Andhra, Muslim Educational Social and Cultural Organisation’s former director (cadre) Dr Salman Abid said this phenomenon could be because more people go to Gulf countries from TS, particularly from urban areas – mostly Hyderabad – and return after a gap of three to four years.

Unlike the Muslims in Telangana and its capital city Hyderabad, not many Muslims in Seemandhra go to Gulf countries.

While it is natural for any community’s population to increase in a decade’s time (even the Hindu population in AP grew by 8.9 per cent and in TS by 12.45 per cent), most of the media are trying to focus only on the Muslim population growth which is not a healthy sign, said Mr Abid. On the decadal growth of Muslim population being more than the Hindus in AP and TS, possibly giving enough “am-munition” to right wing activists, experts said the big question here was not to ponder over the growth of one community. The planners should look to providing basic amenities to the increased population.

“The government should get down to planning for new health schemes, jobs, education and social issues of the new population,” said an expert.

In contrast to the Census 2011 figures, the household survey conducted by TS government in August 2014, revealed that the population of Hindus had increased while that of Muslims had decreased.

The increased opportunities for Muslims in education and jobs due to 4 per cent reservations being implemented in TS is cited as the reason for lower growth rate of Muslim population as studies revealed that families with education and jobs have fewer children.

“The reservations gave the desired results with many Muslims getting more higher education opportunities and jobs since then. Families with higher education and jobs are likely to have fewer children. More reservations to Muslims will improve the situation further,” said Mr Shabbir Ali, ex-minister.