Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday announced that the state government would provide financial incentives to families opting for a third and fourth child, citing the declining population growth as a matter of concern. Speaking in Visakhapatnam, Naidu stated that the government would offer Rs 30,000 for families having a third child and Rs 40,000 for a fourth child.
Background of the Policy
Naidu has been advocating larger families in Andhra Pradesh, where the total fertility rate (TFR) has been steadily declining. Earlier, he had announced a series of economic measures, including an incentive of Rs 25,000 for the second child. The state, which was once at the forefront of family planning initiatives, is now perhaps the only state in India promoting larger families through financial rewards.
Declining Fertility Rate
According to the latest figures, Andhra Pradesh's TFR has dropped to an all-time low of 1.5, significantly below the population replacement-level target of 2.1. If current trends persist, nearly 23% of the state's population could be aged 60 years or above by 2047. The national average TFR stands at 2.1. Naidu emphasized that times have changed since governments encouraged family planning, and children are now considered a vital economic resource and national asset.
Additional Measures
The Chief Minister also announced plans to enhance financial assistance under the Talliki Vandanam scheme, increasing the annual amount from Rs 15,000 to mothers or guardians for each school-going child from class 1 to 12. He had previously announced free education for the third child up to 18 years of age and the opening of fertility clinics to boost population growth.
Demographic Context
The mean average age in Andhra Pradesh is 32.5 years, compared to India's average of 28.4 years. Female workforce participation in the state is 31%, lower than the national average of 37%. Naidu's latest incentives come against the backdrop of the proposed delimitation exercise across the country, which may impact parliamentary representation based on population.
