Naidu Proposes 2-Child Policy to Combat Aging Crisis in Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu announced on Sunday that his government is working on a new law that would allow only individuals with two or more children to contest local body elections. This initiative aims to address the state’s aging population and its long-term effects on demographic balance.

Naidu emphasized the need for families to consider having more children, stating, "The government is planning to bring in legislation to make only those with more than two children eligible to contest local body elections." He made this remark during the resumption of construction work at Amaravati, which had previously been halted by the former administration.

The Chief Minister expressed concern over the signs of an aging crisis in South India, particularly in Andhra Pradesh. "While India retains a demographic edge until 2047, the southern parts of the country were already beginning to see the effects of an aging population," he noted. Naidu highlighted the challenges faced by countries like Japan, China, and various European nations due to their elderly populations.

He also pointed out the impact of youth migration, mentioning that many individuals are relocating to urban areas or abroad for better opportunities, leaving rural villages populated primarily by older residents. "In numerous villages across Andhra Pradesh and the country, the younger generation has relocated to cities, leaving only elderly people behind," Naidu observed.

Furthermore, the Chief Minister raised alarms about the declining fertility rates in Andhra Pradesh, which have dropped to 1.6—significantly below the national average of 2.1. He warned that if this trend continues, the state could face a severe ageing issue by 2047. "This is not a desirable future, and we must act now," he cautioned.

Naidu's proposed legislation is seen as a proactive measure to ensure a younger, more vibrant population in the future.