Andhra CM Naidu Sounds Alarm on Falling Birth Rates, Unveils Incentive Policy for Third Child

Amaravati, March 7 (TNA) Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed deep concern over the state’s declining fertility rate in the state assembly, proposing a Population Management Policy to reverse the trend by incentivising larger families.

Under the policy, set for finalisation by late March and implementation from April 1, the government will offer financial rewards, special parental leave, and enhanced facilities for women having a third child, declaring population growth a “boon” to be prioritised.

Naidu highlighted that the Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has plummeted from 3.0 in 1993 to 1.5 today, posing a threat to economic growth by shrinking the young workforce and risking an ageing population crisis like Japan, South Korea, or Italy.

Citing a 2023 report, he noted only 6.70 lakh births annually; if unchecked, seniors could comprise 23% of the population by 2047, jeopardising development goals. To boost GSDP by 15%, he stressed raising women’s workforce participation from 31% to 59%.