Couples in Andhra Pradesh to receive ₹40,000 for having a fourth child

CM Chandrababu Naidu’s announcement amid concerns over the State’s declining population

Srikakulam (Andhra Pradesh) – The State Government has now begun expressing concern over the possibility of population decline. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has announced that couples having a third child will receive ₹30,000, while couples having a fourth child will receive an incentive of ₹40,000 to encourage population growth. He made this announcement while addressing the ‘Swarna Andhra–Swachh Andhra’ programme at Narasannapeta in Srikakulam district. Earlier, he had already announced in the Legislative Assembly that ₹25,000 would be given after the birth of a second child.

Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu further stated that population itself would become the true wealth of the future. He said that this incentive forms part of a new population management policy. The objective of this policy is to encourage population growth, as the State’s development is possible only through human resources.

Editorial Perspective

• How much benefit Hindu parents will take from this, and how much Muslims will take, is a topic for research!
• Merely giving birth to children does not solve problems. The day rulers realise that all problems can be resolved by instilling values of Dharma and patriotism in children, will indeed be a fortunate day!