Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has introduced financial rewards for families with a third or fourth child to address the state’s declining Total Fertility Rate. At a public gathering, he announced Rs 30,000 for the third child and Rs 40,000 for the fourth.
Naidu, previously advocating for population control, now views population growth as beneficial. The incentives for the second child onwards are inspired by models from France and Hungary to prevent demographic decline.
Officials note Andhra Pradesh’s aging population trend, with a median age of 32.5 years compared to the national average of 28.4 years. The state’s Total Fertility Rate has dropped to 1.5 from 3.0 in 1993, below the replacement level of 2.1.
The Chief Minister aims to boost the Total Fertility Rate to 2.1 for demographic balance. Measures include monthly nutrition aid of Rs 1,000 for the third child and free education up to 18 years. The government also plans to provide extended parental leave to encourage more childbirths.
