AP CM Chandrababu Naidu Advocates Two-Child Policy for Elections
In a significant policy shift, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu has announced plans to introduce a new law allowing individuals to contest local body elections only if they have at least two children. The Chief Minister made this statement during a press interaction on Thursday, emphasizing the need for population growth as a crucial factor for the state's development.
Chandrababu Naidu highlighted that population, once considered a burden, is now seen as an asset. He stated that earlier governments encouraged population control measures, including disqualifying candidates with more than two children from elections. However, he noted that the current demographic trends necessitate reversing these policies to ensure sustainable growth.
The government is preparing to amend the existing law that disqualifies individuals with more than two children from contesting elections. The Chief Minister underscored that maintaining a stable fertility rate is vital for population management, citing projections that the state's Total Fertility Rate (TFR) is expected to decline from 1.51 in 2026 to 1.07 by 2051. He warned that such a decrease could have long-term repercussions for the state’s workforce and economy.
Chandrababu Naidu also explained that a TFR of 2.1 is necessary for maintaining population stability. The proposed law aligns with the government’s broader strategy to encourage families to have at least two children. Furthermore, he emphasized that the implementation of welfare schemes will consider family size as a critical criterion in the future.
Chandrababu Naidu highlighted that population, once considered a burden, is now seen as an asset. He stated that earlier governments encouraged population control measures, including disqualifying candidates with more than two children from elections. However, he noted that the current demographic trends necessitate reversing these policies to ensure sustainable growth.
The government is preparing to amend the existing law that disqualifies individuals with more than two children from contesting elections. The Chief Minister underscored that maintaining a stable fertility rate is vital for population management, citing projections that the state's Total Fertility Rate (TFR) is expected to decline from 1.51 in 2026 to 1.07 by 2051. He warned that such a decrease could have long-term repercussions for the state’s workforce and economy.
Chandrababu Naidu also explained that a TFR of 2.1 is necessary for maintaining population stability. The proposed law aligns with the government’s broader strategy to encourage families to have at least two children. Furthermore, he emphasized that the implementation of welfare schemes will consider family size as a critical criterion in the future.