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Andhra CM Offers Rs 30,000 for Third Child, Rs 40,000 for Fourth to Boost Population

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu announced cash incentives of Rs 30,000 for the third child and Rs 40,000 for the fourth child to boost population growth. The incentive will be given immediately after birth, as stated during a public meeting in Srikakulam district. Naidu noted declining birth rates and a rise in elderly population as concerns, prompting a new initiative titled 'Children Are Wealth'. The state will also strengthen Anganwadi centres and continue the 'Talli ki Vandanam' scheme providing Rs 15,000 financial assistance.

Key Points: Andhra CM Cash Incentive for Third, Fourth Child

  • Andhra CM announces Rs 30,000 for third child
  • Rs 40,000 for fourth child
  • Incentive given immediately after birth
  • New initiative 'Children Are Wealth' to launch
  • Population management policy to boost birth rate
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Andhra CM announces Rs 30,000 for third child, Rs 40,000 for fourth

Andhra CM N. Chandrababu Naidu announces Rs 30,000 for third child and Rs 40,000 for fourth to boost population growth, citing declining birth rates.

"Children are asset. Today once again we all have to work hard for children. - N. Chandrababu Naidu"

Amaravati, May 16

In a move to boost population growth in Andhra Pradesh, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday announced a cash incentive of Rs 30,000 for third child and Rs 40,000 for the fourth child.

He said that the money would be given to parents immediately after the birth of the child.

The Chief Minister made the announcement while addressing a public meeting in Narasannapeta in Srikakulam district, held as part of 'Swachhandhra-Swarnandhra' programme.

"There was a time when I worked for the family planning. Children are asset. Today once again we all have to work hard for children. I have taken a decision. For the third child, we will give Rs 30,000 immediately after birth. For the fourth child, we will give Rs 40,000," he said amid a peal of laughter and loud cheers by the crowd.

The Chief Minister and other sitting on the dais were all smiles.

Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu said that children constitute the true wealth of the nation and are vital for its progress.

Noting that declining population levels are a cause for concern, the Chief Minister added that a special action plan would be implemented to curb the rate of population decline.

He announced that a new initiative titled 'Children Are Wealth' would be launched shortly.

He clarified that efforts are underway to transform the population into a national asset through effective population management.

He said that many people are currently limiting themselves to just one child, a trend that has led to population decline and a rise in the elderly population in numerous countries.

He cautioned that this demographic shift is adversely impacting the economies of those nations.

The Chief Minister noted that while the state government had previously worked extensively on implementing family planning measures, the changed circumstances now necessitate a call to recognise that children are wealth.

He affirmed that measures would be undertaken through the Population Management Policy to boost the birth rate.

Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu said that Anganwadi centres are being strengthened to ensure the provision of nutritious food to mothers and children through the Department of Women and Child Welfare.

He also highlighted that financial assistance of Rs 15,000 is already being provided under the 'Talli ki Vandanam' (Salute to the Mother) scheme.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
Actually, this is a progressive move if you look at the bigger picture. Many developed countries like Japan and South Korea are struggling with aging populations and low birth rates. India's population growth is slowing down, and in some states, it's below replacement level. ₹30,000-40,000 is not much in the long run, but it's a symbolic start. Better than forcing people to have fewer kids like in the old days.
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Kavya N
"Peal of laughter and loud cheers by the crowd"... Of course they laughed! This is comical. Instead of improving education, healthcare, and creating jobs, the CM is bribing people to have more babies. What about the cost of raising a child? ₹30,000 is nothing compared to what it costs to feed, clothe, and educate a child for 18+ years. This is just a vote-gathering stunt. 🙄
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Ravi K
Good move! In our village, families are having only 1-2 children now, and we see the elderly living alone. Children are indeed an asset, especially in old age. This will encourage families to have more kids, which means more working-age population in future. Better than relying on migration from other states. Naidu is thinking long-term. 👏
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Aditi M
As a woman, I find this deeply problematic. Women's bodies are not policy tools. The decision to have children should be personal, not incentivized by the government. What about maternal health? What about the burden on women who are already overworked? This feels like the government telling women to be baby-making machines. Not cool, Naidu ji. 😠
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Siddhartha F

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