N. Chandrababu Naidu, the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, announced that the state government is considering a ₹25,000 birth incentive for couples having a second child or more to address the declining birth rate.
Key points of the proposal
The government may provide ₹25,000 to parents at the time of delivery for their second child onward.
The incentive is aimed at encouraging families to have more children.
Naidu described the move as a “novel method” that could become a major game-changer if implemented.
Reason behind the plan
According to Naidu, the state’s Total Fertility Rate (TFR) currently stands at 1.5, which is below the replacement level of 2.1 needed to maintain population stability.
He also pointed out that several countries are already facing economic and social challenges because of ageing populations and falling birth rates.
Upcoming population policy
The Andhra Pradesh government plans to:
Release a population management policy by the end of March
Implement the policy from April if approved
The proposed incentive would be part of broader efforts to increase the fertility rate and maintain long-term demographic balance in the state.
