Naidu's New Birth Bounty: Incentives to Boost Andhra Pradesh's Population

Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu has announced new financial incentives to encourage higher birth rates, offering Rs 30,000 for a third child and Rs 40,000 for a fourth. The move aims to reverse declining population trends and ensure economic stability as part of a broader fertility rate strategy.

In a bid to reverse the declining population trend in Andhra Pradesh, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has introduced financial incentives for larger families. Announced on Saturday, families will receive Rs 30,000 for the birth of a third child and Rs 40,000 for a fourth.

Naidu addressed a gathering in Srikakulam's Narsannapeta, emphasizing the need for higher birth rates to maintain the state's economic stability. The incentives are part of broader efforts to maintain the Total Fertility Rate at the replacement level of 2.1.

Highlighting challenges from declining birth rates, Naidu shared concerns that an ageing population could strain the economy. He stressed that with declining fertility, economic growth could suffer and pushed to see children as an asset rather than a burden.