Rs 25k for having 2nd child to IVF subsidies, Naidu’s policy pitch to tackle AP’s dipping fertility rate The Andhra Pradesh government has proposed a comprehensive policy aimed at addressing the state’s declining fertility rate, with measures including financial assistance for families with multiple children and subsidized IVF services. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu introduced the Draft Population Management Policy in the state assembly, emphasizing a shift from population control to population care. The policy outlines initiatives such as a Rs 25,000 grant for families choosing to have a second child, along with subsidized IVF treatments to support couples facing infertility challenges. A key component of the policy is the establishment of a Matrutva Centre of Excellence under a public-private-partnership model. This center will provide counseling services for women and facilitate affordable deliveries. Naidu also highlighted provisions for parental leave for both mothers and fathers, alongside a Poshan–Shiksha–Suraksha package designed to ensure nutrition, education, and protection for every child. The policy aims to address the growing concerns of an aging population and the need for a youthful workforce to sustain long-term economic growth. The government’s focus on fertility rates is underscored by data indicating a sharp decline in the state’s total fertility rate (TFR), which stands at 1.5 compared to the national average of 2.1. Naidu warned that if left unaddressed, Andhra Pradesh could mirror the demographic challenges faced by countries like Japan, South Korea, and Italy. He cited statistics showing that approximately 58% of families in the state have only one child, while nearly 62 lakh families have three or more children.#andhra_pradesh #n_chandrababu_naidu #matrutva_centre_of_excellence #poshan_shiksha_suraksha #delimitation_concerns
