In a statement likely to spark debate, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has urged citizens to have more children, expressing concern over the state’s ageing population. He went further, announcing plans to introduce legislation that would only allow individuals with more than two children to contest local body elections.
Declining Population, Growing Concern
Naidu highlighted the shrinking population growth rate in Andhra Pradesh, stating it has dropped to 1.6% from 6.2% in the 1950s. He emphasized that fewer births lead to a rapid decline in the young population, potentially creating an imbalance.
“Having more than two children will ensure a stable population,” Naidu declared, urging citizens to view raising a larger family as a responsibility not only for themselves but also for the nation.
According to Naidu, Andhra Pradesh’s demographic advantage, with a younger population, is expected to dwindle after 2047. He warned of a future where elderly citizens outnumber the young, echoing similar trends seen in countries like Japan, China, and several European nations.
Shifting Stance on Population Control
Interestingly, Naidu’s stance represents a shift from his earlier advocacy for population control. He previously implemented legislation restricting individuals with more than two children from contesting elections, citing concerns about resource scarcity. However, witnessing a decline in population, Naidu now believes the focus should shift towards encouraging larger families.
“I was staunchly in favour of population control once upon a time… Now, I am afraid that we won’t have enough young population in our state,” Naidu admitted.
Mixed Reactions: A Nation Divided?
Naidu’s statement has triggered mixed reactions. While the BJP chose not to comment, JD(U) leader K.C. Tyagi expressed disagreement, advocating for education as a more effective method for population control. Tyagi highlighted Bihar’s successful strategy, emphasizing education for girls as a driver for lower fertility rates.
According to the 2011 census, southern states like Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana already have higher median ages compared to northern states. This demographic shift underscores the growing concern regarding population decline in several regions of India.
Naidu’s controversial proposal raises crucial questions about the future of India’s demographic landscape. Will encouraging larger families be the solution, or are there more sustainable approaches to address the challenges posed by population decline?
Share your thoughts! What do you think about Naidu’s proposal? Let’s discuss in the comments below.
Worth a look