In the late 1970s and 1980s, the Indo-Fijian population was about 52 percent, however, this has declined to about 33 percent over the years.
Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar Industry, Charan Jeath Singh highlighted this to fijivillage News in an interview and emphasised that their presence shaped much of Fiji’s social and economic landscape.
Singh says previously Indo-Fijian families had 10 to 12 children and they played a vital role, working with their parents on the farms, contributing to the livelihood.
He further says many started leaving after the 1987 coup as they felt insecure while the automatic decline in the population was because Indo-Fijian families now have children no more than two on average.
The Minister adds that the shift in family dynamics and political instability have contributed to the population decline.
Meanwhile, the theme for the 146th Girmit Day celebration is "Preserving the Past, Envisioning the Future."
The celebrations to focus on the contributions of the Indo Fijian community will take place from Saturday to Monday at Subrail Park in Labasa.
The public holiday for Girmit is on Monday 12th May.
