N. Chandrababu Naidu, Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, has announced that the state government is considering a ₹25,000 birth incentive for couples having a second child or more as part of efforts to address declining birth rates.
Speaking in the state Assembly, Naidu said the proposal aims to improve the state’s Total Fertility Rate (TFR) and counter demographic challenges associated with falling population growth.
Government targets higher fertility rate
According to the Chief Minister, Andhra Pradesh currently has a Total Fertility Rate of 1.5, which is below the replacement level required to maintain population stability.
The government is aiming to increase the rate to 2.1, which is widely regarded as the replacement-level fertility needed for a population to sustain itself without long-term decline.
“We are looking at a novel method. We will give ₹25,000 to parents having a second child or more at the time of delivery itself,” Naidu said in the Assembly.
He added that such a measure could significantly support families and help address demographic concerns.
Policy on population management planned
The state government is preparing a broader population management policy, which Naidu said is expected to be finalised by the end of March.
If approved, the policy could be implemented from April this year.
Officials believe the incentive scheme could encourage families to have more children and help stabilise the state’s demographic profile in the long term.
Concerns over ageing population
Naidu noted that several countries around the world are currently facing challenges due to ageing populations and declining birth rates.
Many developed nations have already introduced incentives and policy measures to encourage higher birth rates.
The proposed initiative in Andhra Pradesh reflects similar concerns about maintaining a balanced demographic structure and ensuring a sustainable workforce in the future.
Experts say fertility trends and population policies are increasingly becoming important considerations for governments planning long-term economic and social development.