Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has announced a series of proposed financial incentives aimed at encouraging population growth in the state, marking a significant shift from earlier population-control policies. Speaking at a public meeting in Narasannapeta in the Srikakulam district during the Swarna Andhra-Swach Andhra cleanliness program, Naidu said families would receive Rs 30,000 for the birth of a third child and Rs 40,000 for a fourth child under a new “Population Care” initiative being planned by the state government.

The proposed measures come amid growing concern within the Andhra Pradesh administration over declining birth rates and the long-term economic and social impact of an aging population. Naidu said the government is now focusing on reversing falling fertility levels after years of advocating smaller families. The announcement signals a major policy reversal as the state attempts to address demographic challenges that officials believe could affect workforce availability and economic growth in the coming decades.

Apart from direct cash incentives, the chief minister also outlined additional welfare measures aimed at supporting larger families. According to Naidu, the state is considering monthly nutritional assistance of Rs 1,000 for five years for families with a third child. The government is also exploring a proposal to provide free education for the third child up to the age of 18. These initiatives are expected to form part of a broader population policy that the government plans to release in detail within the next month.

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Naidu further stated that the administration is evaluating the possibility of extending parental leave benefits for families welcoming a third child. The proposal reportedly includes up to 12 months of parental leave, along with two months of paternity leave for fathers. Emphasizing the importance of family growth, the chief minister described children as the “wealth” of society and said collective efforts are needed to address demographic decline and maintain social balance in the future.

Highlighting the urgency behind the new policy direction, Naidu said Andhra Pradesh recorded approximately 6.7 lakh births in 2023 and warned that nearly 23 percent of the state’s population could become elderly by 2047 if current trends continue. According to figures cited during the announcement, the state’s total fertility rate has declined sharply from 3.0 in 1993 to 1.5, falling well below the replacement level of 2.1 considered necessary to maintain stable population growth.

The proposed policy reflects a broader trend seen in several regions globally where governments are attempting to encourage higher birth rates amid concerns over aging populations and shrinking workforces. While Andhra Pradesh had previously promoted population control measures, Naidu now argues that declining fertility poses serious long-term challenges for economic development and social welfare systems. The government is expected to finalize operational guidelines for the incentive scheme in the coming weeks before formally rolling out the program across the state.

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