In a recent address, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu urged couples in the state to bear more children in response to the rising population of elderly individuals. Speaking at an event dedicated to demographic challenges, Naidu highlighted the potential dangers posed by a rapidly aging society and the migration of youth to other regions. Naidu expressed deep concern over the current fertility rate in Andhra Pradesh, which has dropped to 1.6, significantly below the national average of 2.1. He warned that if this trend continues, the state may face challenges similar to those currently seen in Japan and parts of Europe, where aging populations are becoming a pressing issue.
"The problem of population imbalance can be solved by encouraging families," Naidu stated. He announced that the government is considering legislation that would not only promote larger families but also allow individuals with more than two children to contest elections for local bodies—an initiative that aims to counteract population decline. Naidu noted that many villages across the state are increasingly populated by elderly residents, as younger generations migrate to urban areas or abroad seeking better opportunities.
In an effort to combat this demographic shift, the Chief Minister called for support programs and benefits for families willing to have more children. “Depopulation and the migration of youth can be dangerous for the state,” he warned, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to stimulate population growth. The government is also exploring ways to repeal previous restrictions that deter families from having more than two children.
This is not the first time Naidu has addressed the issue; he made similar appeals back in 2018, expressing concerns about the demographic changes following the formation of Telangana and the potential decline in rural life and development. As Andhra Pradesh grapples with these pressing demographic challenges, the Chief Minister's call to action aims to reshape societal attitudes towards family size and secure a stable future for the state's populace.
