Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has proposed a policy change linking the number of children to eligibility for local body elections.
Naidu suggested barring individuals with fewer than two children from contesting posts like sarpanch, municipal councillor, or mayor, citing concerns over the state's declining birth rate.
Previously, Andhra Pradesh passed amendments to the Panchayat Raj and Municipal Acts, disqualifying candidates with more than two children. However, Naidu’s recent statements hint at revising this 30-year-old rule, introduced during his tenure as CM in 1994.
Speaking in Naravaripalle, Naidu criticised the trend of smaller families and double-income, no-kids lifestyles. "Your parents had four or five children, but now people are opting for one or none. If our parents thought this way, we wouldn’t be here today," he said.
He highlighted global examples like Japan and South Korea, where ageing populations and low birth rates have caused economic challenges. Naidu warned that India’s demographic advantage could wane by 2047 if similar trends continue.
Also Read: Tirumala stampede leaves 6 dead; Naidu announces aid to victims' kin
The Chief Minister emphasised the urgency of boosting birth rates in Andhra Pradesh and hinted at introducing policies to encourage larger families. Referring to the birth rate in Kuppam, which has fallen to 1.5 (below the ideal 2), Naidu urged citizens to learn from countries that prioritised wealth creation over population growth.
This is not the first time Naidu has addressed population concerns. In October, he proposed laws allowing only individuals with at least two children to contest local elections, aligning with his broader vision to safeguard Andhra Pradesh's demographic future.
Also Read: National Turmeric Board launched in Telangana’s Nizamabad
Follow us
