Amaravati, May 16
: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has announced plans to introduce cash incentives to encourage families to have more children, as the state looks to address a steady decline in birth rates.
According to the Chief Minister, the proposed policy will offer ₹30,000 for the birth of a third child and ₹40,000 for a fourth child. The initiative is aimed at reversing demographic trends that could lead to an ageing population and a shrinking workforce in the coming decades.
Naidu said Andhra Pradesh’s fertility rate has dropped below the replacement level needed to maintain a stable population. He warned that if the trend continues, the state could face labour shortages and increased pressure on healthcare and social welfare systems
The proposed incentives reflect a growing concern among policymakers that declining birth rates could affect Andhra Pradesh’s economic growth and social balance in the long term.. The state government is also considering additional support measures, including nutritional assistance and educational benefits for children born under the scheme. Detailed guidelines on eligibility and implementation are expected to be announced soon.
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