The Indian Nobel prize winning economist, Amartya Sen, has urged his country to copy a rural credit scheme pioneered in Bangladesh in order to slow population growth.

Speaking at an international seminar on welfare economics, Mr Sen said the credit scheme, which offers small loans to rural women, has given women greater decision-making power, and consequently led to smaller family sizes.

Mr Sen's comments have been criticised by Hindu nationalists.

They've said his praise for Bangladesh is misplaced because it remains what they've described as a basket case while India is rising economic power.