Andhra to unveil policy to tackle declining fertility, says CM Naidu
"Before 2004, as CM, I incentivised family planning. We even brought a law disqualifying those with more than two children from contesting local body elections," said Naidu.He further said that today, there's a need to amend the law to allow those with more than two children to contest, adding that a nation is not just about its land, regions, towns, or borders, it is about its people.Naidu said that while developed nations struggle with aging populations, India's youth advantage remains intact, though not guaranteed unless corrective policies are adopted quickly."Our youth population is shrinking while elderly numbers grow. To avoid a human resource crisis, we must encourage larger families," said Naidu, addressing the summit.Naidu launched a survey seeking public input on population policy, declaring, "Your voice is our policy guide," and stressing the importance of aligning welfare with people's preferences.He expressed concern that while the global population is increasing, birth rates are declining, and the youth population is shrinking while the elderly population is increasing.Naidu noted that nations like Japan, Hungary, and Singapore now offer cash, tax exemptions and housing benefits to families with more children.He pointed out that the southern state's fertility rate stands at 1.7, well below the replacement rate of 2.1, underscoring the urgency of reversing this trend.
Naidu also cited concerns over the fading of joint family systems, rising cost of living, and the changing outlook of youth, saying such factors must shape future family-centric policies. Mentioning his recent visit to Kuppam, he shared an anecdote of a three-generation household as a model for societal stability and economic resilience.Stressing gender equality, he said TDP governments have historically empowered women by giving from the gas cylinder scheme to property rights and representation in colleges and transport services.
Naidu maintained that India's population advantage will hold only until 2047, urging policymakers to treat human capital as a long-term resource and not a short-term liability.
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