Chandrababu Naidu Warns: “If More Children Are Not Born, the Future Will Only Have Elderly, with No Youth in Sight”
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has urged citizens in southern states to consider having more children, citing concerns over a declining birth rate and an ageing population. In a recent statement, Naidu expressed that the state government is planning to implement “population management” strategies, including potential legislation to incentivize families to have more children.
Naidu mentioned that the government is exploring the possibility of introducing a law that would make only those with more than two children eligible to contest local body elections. “We are considering reversing the existing policy. Previously, individuals with more than two children were barred from contesting local polls, but we have repealed that law. Now, we are contemplating new benefits for larger families,” he said.
Addressing the demographic challenges, Naidu explained that although India currently has a demographic advantage until 2047, southern states, including Andhra Pradesh, are beginning to experience signs of an ageing population. “Many nations like Japan, China, and some in Europe are grappling with a growing elderly population. This is becoming an issue in South India, exacerbated by the migration of younger individuals to other parts of the country or abroad,” he added.
Naidu highlighted the fertility rate in southern states, which has dropped to 1.6—below the national average of 2.1. “If this trend continues, we will face a significant increase in the elderly population by 2047, which is undesirable. In many villages, only elderly people remain as the younger generation has migrated to urban areas,” he said.
Reflecting on his previous stance advocating for population control, Naidu acknowledged the shift in thinking. “Earlier, we focused on conserving natural resources and believed that population growth would hinder development. While we succeeded in controlling population growth, it has led to new challenges.”
Naidu’s remarks have sparked discussions on the need to balance population management with the long-term social and economic impact of an ageing population.
