Minister Gummadi Sandhyarani Emphasises Equal Child-rearing And Nutrition at Poshan Pakhwada-2025

Visakhapatnam: Minister for Tribal Affairs and Women and Child Welfare, Gummadi Sandhyarani, announced that the state government is encouraging families to have more than two children, marking a shift from earlier policy. The statement came during the state-level Poshan Pakhwada–2025 programme held in Visakhapatnam on Tuesday.

“Previously, two children were considered ideal, but now families with two, three or more are encouraged, keeping current needs in mind,” she said. She assured that such families would still receive all government welfare benefits, and an official order has been issued.

Highlighting Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s pro-women leadership, the minister outlined initiatives such as gratuity, land expense aid for Anganwadi workers, and nutrition support funds. She also called on field staff to coordinate between ICDS and medical teams to ensure proper nourishment for pregnant women and children.

Stressing the first 1,000 days of a child’s life, she advocated reducing caesarean rates in plain areas (70%) compared to tribal regions (40%), promoting natural births.

District collector M.N. Harendhira Prasad suggested introducing Japanese-inspired habits like cycling and limiting screen time. The programme included food exhibitions, poster launches, and ceremonies honouring expectant mothers.