Naidu Says AP To Shift Focus From Population Control To Population Preservation
In this context, he said that the AP government is planning to launch the Pillale Sampada (Children Are Rich) campaign after holding consultations with various stakeholders.
Addressing a program on the occasion of World Population Day in Vijayawada, the AP CM said demographic trends have changed significantly in AP and the state requires a new policy approach. He argued that previous policies encouraging smaller families, including provisions disqualifying people with more than two children from standing in local body elections, were appropriate for the times. Demographic realities have changed since then.
“The future belongs to societies with sufficient population. Development is only possible when there are sufficient people,” he thought.
Addressing the decline in fertility rates, Chandrababu Naidu said Andhra Pradesh, like other southern states, is witnessing demographic changes similar to those seen in many countries facing aging populations. Quoting Gurajada Appa Rao’s observation that “A nation is not its land but its people”, he said the government will now focus on protection of the population.
The Prime Minister expressed concern over shrinking family sizes, declining enrollment in Anganwadis and schools and increasing elderly population. He said that balanced population growth is essential for sustainable economic development. He emphasized the importance of preserving the joint family system.
Naidu called for improving maternal health services and reducing unnecessary caesarean sections. He said the government was encouraging women entrepreneurs, improving livelihoods through the P4 initiative and promoting balanced regional development by attracting industrial and infrastructure projects across the state.
Referring to the recent multiple murder case in Telangana involving an accused in the Posco case, the CM expressed concern over misuse of social media. Violent and obscene online content and digital addiction contribute to mental health problems among young people, he said. He urged the youth to combine technology with spirituality while constantly improving their skills. Naidu highlighted the welfare initiatives, noting that the Sanjeevani health program has strengthened public health services. He said the proposed Kshemam scheme would focus on senior citizens. He touched on nutrition programs through Anganwadis and the Thalliki Vandanam scheme, where ₹15,000 per child is provided for education. Reiterating the 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 will play an important role in achieving these targets. He later published the Population Management Framework document. Among those present on World Population Day were Vijayawada East MLA Gadde Rammohan Rao, Health Minister Suresh Kumar and NTR district collector G. Lakshmisha.
