Published May 16, 2026 | 4:21 PM ⚊ Updated May 16, 2026 | 4:21 PM
N Chandrababu Naidu. (Screengrab)
Synopsis: The Chief Minister said falling population growth rates had become a matter of concern and stressed that children should be viewed as an asset to the nation rather than a burden. “Children are the nation’s wealth, not a burden,” he said, while urging people to rethink earlier approaches centred on population control.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday, 16 May, announced a new population incentive scheme aimed at encouraging larger families in the state, offering financial assistance for the birth of third and fourth children.
Addressing a public gathering at Narsannapeta in Srikakulam district, Naidu said the State government would provide ₹30,000 for the birth of a third child and ₹40,000 for the birth of a fourth child as part of efforts to address declining population growth.
“I have thought about this many times. At one time, I worked towards family planning. But today, children themselves have become wealth. We all now need to work for the sake of children,” Naidu said.
Announcing the incentives, he said: “For the third child, we will give ₹30,000 immediately after birth, and for the fourth child, we will give ₹40,000.”
The Chief Minister said falling population growth rates had become a matter of concern and stressed that children should be viewed as an asset to the nation rather than a burden.
“Children are the nation’s wealth, not a burden,” he said, while urging people to rethink earlier approaches centred on population control.
The announcement comes amid increasing discussions in several southern states over demographic changes, ageing populations, and declining fertility rates.
Earlier too, in July 2025, speaking at a World Population Day event, Naidu had said that the earlier approach of incentivising smaller families may no longer be viable.
“In the past, we capped the PDS [Public Distribution System] rice quota at 25 kg for a family of five. But now, we may need to provide five kg of rice per person, regardless of family size. If a family has 10 members, they should get 50 kg,” he had explained.
“Having more children is no longer just a personal choice. It is a service to society and the nation,” he had said.
The Chief Minister had also recalled that during his previous tenure, legislation was introduced to disqualify individuals with more than two children from contesting in local body elections.
“We repealed that law. Now, we may have to consider new legislation that disqualifies those with fewer than two children,” he had said.
Also Read: South India’s fertility decline is sharper than earlier estimates, shows latest SRS 2021 data
(Edited by Sumavarsha, with inputs from Sumit Jha)
