Naidu Says AP To Shift Focus From Population Control To Population Preservation

Vijayawada: Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Friday announced that Andhra Pradesh would shift from its long-standing population control policy to a population preservation approach.

In this regard, he said AP government is planning to launch Pillale Sampada (Children are Wealth) campaign after holding consultations with various stakeholders.

Addressing a programme organised to mark the World Population Day in Vijayawada, the AP CM said demographic trends have changed significantly in AP and the state requires a fresh policy approach.

He maintained that earlier policies encouraging smaller families, including provisions disqualifying persons with more than two children from contesting local body elections, had been appropriate for those times. Since then, demographic realities have changed.

“The future belongs to societies with adequate populations. Development is possible only when there are enough people,” he reasoned.

Referring to declining fertility rates, Chandrababu Naidu said Andhra Pradesh, like several other southern states, is witnessing demographic changes similar to those seen in many countries facing ageing populations. Quoting Gurajada Appa Rao's observation that "A nation is not its soil but its people," he said the government would now focus on population preservation.

The Chief Minister expressed concern over shrinking family sizes, declining enrolment in anganwadis and schools, and the growing elderly population. He said balanced population growth is essential for sustained economic development. He stressed the importance of preserving the joint family system.

Naidu called for improved maternal healthcare and a reduction in unnecessary Caesarean deliveries.

He said the government is promoting women entrepreneurs, improving livelihoods through the P4 initiative, and encouraging balanced regional development by attracting industries and infrastructure projects across the state.

Referring to a recent multiple murder case in Telangana involving an accused in a Posco case, the CM expressed concern over the misuse of social media. He said violent and obscene online content and digital addiction are contributing to mental health issues among young people. He urged youth to combine technology with spirituality while continuously upgrading their skills.Naidu highlighted welfare initiatives, pointing out that the Sanjeevani healthcare programme is strengthening public health services. He said the proposed Kshemam scheme would focus on senior citizens. He referred to nutrition programmes through anganwadis and the Thalliki Vandanam scheme, under which ₹15,000 is provided per child for education.Reiterating his vision of achieving Swarna Andhra by 2040 and increasing the state's per capita income to ₹55 lakh by 2047, the Chief Minister said effective population management would play an important role in achieving these goals. He later released the Population Management Framework document.Those present at the World Population Day included Vijayawada East MLA Gadde Rammohan Rao, Health secretary Suresh Kumar, and NTR district collector G. Lakshmisha.

Naidu Says AP To Shift Focus From Population Control To Population Preservation

AP government is planning to launch Pillale Sampada

Latest News