CM Chandrababu Naidu urges people to have more children in South India
Times of India
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has called on people living in southern states to have more children, by flagging concerns about an ageing population.
"Though we have a demographic advantage until 2047, signs of ageing problem are starting to appear in south India, including Andhra. Many countries like like Japan, China, and some European nations are struggling with this problem, having a largely elderly population. In south Indian, the problem is compounded by young people migrating to other parts of the country or abroad,” the CM said according to Times of India. He pointed out that the fertility rate in southern states has fallen to an average of 1.6, while nationally it is 2.1. A fertility rate of 1.6 means that a woman, on average, is expected to have 1.6 children in her lifetime.
The Telugu Desam Party leader also announced plans for a legislation to incentivise people in his state to have larger families.
“The state government is thinking of bringing a law that would make only those people with more than two children eligible to contest local body elections,” Naidu said.
"Though we have a demographic advantage until 2047, signs of ageing problem are starting to appear in south India, including Andhra. Many countries like like Japan, China, and some European nations are struggling with this problem, having a largely elderly population. In south Indian, the problem is compounded by young people migrating to other parts of the country or abroad,” the CM said according to Times of India. He pointed out that the fertility rate in southern states has fallen to an average of 1.6, while nationally it is 2.1. A fertility rate of 1.6 means that a woman, on average, is expected to have 1.6 children in her lifetime.
The Telugu Desam Party leader also announced plans for a legislation to incentivise people in his state to have larger families.
“The state government is thinking of bringing a law that would make only those people with more than two children eligible to contest local body elections,” Naidu said.