Aakhir Tak – In Shorts
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu proposed that only families with two or more children should contest local body elections. He expressed concerns about the state’s ageing population and urged families to consider having more children. This move is vital for maintaining the demographic balance in the state.
Aakhir Tak – In Depth
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu announced on Sunday that his government plans to introduce a law allowing only those with two or more children to contest local body elections. He stated, “The government will permit only those with more than two children to run for election.” Naidu made this announcement while restarting construction at Amaravati, which had been halted by the previous government.
The Chief Minister urged families to consider having more children, pointing out concerns over the ageing population and its long-term impact on the country’s demographic balance. “Signs of an ageing crisis are growing in South India,” he said, noting that while India retains a demographic edge until 2047, the southern regions are already experiencing these effects.
“Countries like Japan, China, and several European nations are facing the consequences of ageing populations,” Naidu noted. He highlighted the trend of youth migration, where many people are moving to urban areas or abroad for better opportunities, leaving rural villages populated mainly by the elderly.
Naidu also mentioned the declining fertility rates in the southern state, which have dropped to 1.6, significantly below the national average of 2.1. He expressed concern about the implications of this decline, warning that if the trend continues, Andhra Pradesh could face a severe ageing issue by 2047. “This is not a desirable future, and we must act now,” he cautioned.
