From control to promotion: AP to give up to ₹40,000 to families having more children  

AMARAVATI: In a significant move aimed at addressing the state's declining population growth, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has announced financial incentives for families having more children. Under the new initiative, the government will provide financial assistance of ₹30,000 for the birth of a third child and ₹40,000 for a fourth child. The Chief Minister made this announcement while addressing a public function in Narasannapeta, Srikakulam district.

Stating that the primary objective is to reverse the declining birth rate in the state, Naidu noted that while he had previously advocated for population control, the current situation demands collective societal effort to increase the birth rate instead. He added that detailed guidelines regarding the implementation of the scheme would be released within a month. This latest policy announcement follows his statement in March, where he indicated that the government was considering a ₹25,000 incentive for a second child.

The Chief Minister assured that the financial assistance would be transferred to families immediately after the birth of the child. He also highlighted a concerning demographic trend in the state where rising incomes have led many couples to opt for a single child, often choosing to have a second child only if the firstborn is not a boy. Naidu pointed out that such tendencies are severely impacting the state's population growth.