Although elected in 2024, he assured that the initiative would be long-term, saying, "A mother can benefit beyond my tenure." He humorously added, "If needed, I'll fund it myself"
Published Mar 10, 2025 | 8:29 PM ⚊ Updated Mar 10, 2025 | 8:35 PM
In a bold move aligning with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu’s push for population growth, Vizianagaram MP Appalanaidu Kalisetty has pledged financial incentives for families welcoming a third child.
Speaking at a Women’s Day event, the newly elected parliamentarian declared that every third-born girl in his constituency would receive ₹50,000. In contrast, a third-born boy would be gifted a calf. However, this is not a government initiative, with the MP stating that he would spend out of his pocket.
Speaking at a Women’s Day event, Appala Naidu lauded the role of women in his life, as supporters, partners, teachers, and mentors. Sharing the stage with Home Minister Anita Vangalapudi, he deemed it his duty to protect women’s rights.
“As an MP, I make over ₹2 Lakh a month. Hence, after deliberating with my mother and wife, I’ve decided to give ₹50,000 to the third girl child in the family and a calf if the third child is male,” he announced.
He explained that Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and the Union Government inspired him to make this decision. “All you have to do is inform the district Collector, he will notify me and you’ll get the benefit,” he said adding that he already informed the district administration.
“My parliamentary constituency stretches across seven segments. This applies to any third child born after midnight,” he declared, adding he aimed to help increase the population.
The Viziangaram parliamentary constituency includes Etcherla, Rajam, Bobbili, Cheepurupalli, Gajapathinagaram, Nellimarla, and Vizianagaram segments. Additionally, the constituency encompasses regions of both, the Viziangaram and Srikakulam districts.
Despite being elected to seat only in 2024, he noted that this initiative was not temporary. “A mother can avail of this not just for the five years I’m here but for the foreseeable future,” he assured. “If my salary doesn’t suffice, I’ll spend out of my pocket,” he said with a light laugh.
South First reached out to the MP, but he refused to comment on the situation, citing that it has gotten too controversial.
(Edited by Ananya Rao)
