Alarmed at the rising population, the Shiv Sena today hit back at the Government by giving away Jagrook Hindu awards to ten people in this Uttar Pradesh district. These jagrook (aware) awardees, ten in all including three women, have the distinction of having produced five or more children. The award included Re 1 cash, a citation hailing them as Jagrook Hindu and a saffron sash.Claiming to be upset over the Government’s failure to check rise in Muslim population, the Sena had announced these awards on the World Population Day on July 11. Local Sena leader Satyapriya Saxena, explaining the award, says: ‘‘It’s obvious that Hindus are becoming more and more conscious of the importance of small families. This is going to tilt the population balance in favour of Muslims who are merrily producing more and more children.’’Since Independence, successive governments have failed to curb the growing population, Saxena says, adding: ‘‘Har admi ko na roti khaaney ko mil rahin hai, na tan par pahanney ko kapda.’’If the Sena comes to power, we will stick to the two child norm, irrespective of caste or creed, he says. ‘‘This is just our warning to the Government.’’
