Former IAS Officer Niyaz Khan Sparks Row Over Call for ‘Nasbandi’ of Muslims to Control Population.

Social media post draws criticism for community-specific remark; debate reignites over population policy and individual rights.

Bhopal:-Former IAS officer Niyaz Khan has sparked controversy after advocating compulsory population control measures and specifically calling for “nasbandi” of Muslims. 

The Remarks.

In a social media post, Khan claimed that Muslims have more children and said strict “nasbandi”, or sterilization, should be carried out for them as part of efforts to control population growth. The post quickly went viral, drawing sharp reactions online.

Backlash and Debate.

His remarks have triggered a wider debate over population policy, individual rights, and community-specific targeting. Critics accused the former bureaucrat of singling out one religious group, calling the statement discriminatory and unconstitutional. Others argued that population control should be addressed through education and voluntary family planning, not coercive measures.

Context on Population Policy.

India does not have a compulsory sterilization policy. Family planning programs have been voluntary since the 1970s, following criticism of forced sterilization drives during the Emergency. Government data shows fertility rates have declined across all communities, though variations remain.

Khan, a 2015 batch IAS officer from Madhya Pradesh cadre, has previously courted controversy with his social media comments on religious and social issues. 

Several political leaders and civil rights groups have demanded an apology, while supporters of Khan said his comments reflect concerns about resource pressure and sustainable development.