Narasannapeta: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu announced on Saturday financial incentives of Rs 30,000 for families having a third child and Rs 40,000 for a fourth child, marking a strategic shift to counter the state's dwindling birth rates.

Speaking at a public gathering in the Srikakulam district on the sidelines of the SwarnaAndhra SwachAndhra cleanliness campaign, Naidu stated that a comprehensive policy outline would be released within the month.

"I have made a new decision. We will provide Rs 30,000 immediately after the birth of a third child and Rs 40,000 for a fourth child. Isn't this the right decision?" Naidu said.

The Chief Minister, who previously championed population control, argued that societal intervention is now necessary to boost the fertility rate. The new measures expand upon a prior legislative proposal introduced on March 5, which suggested a Rs 25,000 incentive for a second child. Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav confirmed Saturday that the administration chose to scale the financial benefits to target larger families.

Demographic and Economic Concerns

Naidu observed that rising household incomes have led many couples to limit their families to a single child, while others only seek a second child if their firstborn is female. He warned that this trend threatens the state's demographic balance, emphasising the necessity of maintaining a replacement-level total fertility rate of 2.1 children per woman to ensure population stability.

Reflecting on global trends, the Chief Minister noted that shrinking populations and ageing workforces have crippled international economies. He rejected the premise that larger families present an economic strain, asserting that children represent a vital asset for the future.

Naidu also referenced the Talliki Vandanam welfare initiative, which currently distributes Rs 15,000 annually for each school-going child, hinting at potential future increases "if God shows mercy."

Infrastructure and Governance Targets

Beyond demographic policy, the administration is focusing on governance and regional development. Naidu announced the production of tamper-proof land ownership documents, promising an elimination of property disputes by March 2027.

He pledged to revitalise the Srikakulam district through concrete infrastructure and agricultural commitments, providing specific timelines for key regional water projects:

  • Madduvalasa Stage–II Project: January 2027 completion
  • Hiramandalam Lift Irrigation Project: April 2027 completion
  • Thotapalli Distributaries: July 2027 completion

The Chief Minister also reported that the coalition government has successfully eliminated 86 lakh tonnes of legacy waste since taking office, promising total clearance by June.

Economic Resilience Strategy

In light of international volatility, Naidu urged citizens to adhere to federal guidelines issued by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to shield the domestic economy from the fallout of the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.

To cultivate national economic stability, Naidu advised residents to optimise public transit, decrease gold consumption, prioritise domestic vacation destinations, and transition to remote work whenever feasible.

With inputs from PTI