Shiv Sena denies reports it announced Rs 2 lakh reward for Hindus who have 5 children

The Shiv Sena has denied that its Agra unit has announced a reward of Rs 2 lakhs each to Hindu families who have 5 children.

A party source told dna, "The Shiv Sena party has nothing to do with the Agra person claiming to be the unit chief and announcing reward for 5 kids for families. The said person, self proclaimed to be unit chief has been officially removed from his post in February and a new one has not been appointed. Thus the Shiv Sena has nothing to do with that announcement".

The 'Agra person the source referred to is Veenu Lavania, now former district chief of the Shiv Sena unit in Agra. 

Lavania had earlier said that "Each family that has five kids between 2010 to 2015 will get Rs 2 lakh. The parents will need to furnish birth certificates from the municipal corporation".

The Muslim community has registered a moderate 0.8 % growth to touch 17.22 crore in the 10 year period between 2001 and 2011, up from 13.8 crore, while Hindus population showed a decline by 0.7 % at 96.63 crore during the period. This had prompted the Shiv Sena to call for a family planning programme for Muslims.