Andhra Pradesh MP Offers Rs 50,000 and a Cow as Incentive for Third Child Birth
Following Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu’s call for incentives to encourage larger families, Kalisetti Appala Naidu, Member of Parliament (MP) from Vizianagaram, has announced a unique initiative to promote population growth. He has pledged to offer Rs 50,000 to women who give birth to a third child, along with a cow if the child is a boy.
The MP stated that he would fund this incentive from his own salary, a move that has sparked widespread attention on social media. TDP leaders and activists have been actively sharing the announcement, with many praising the offer as a “revolutionary” step in support of women.
Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has also expressed his approval of the initiative. Naidu made his comments during a meeting on Saturday to mark International Women’s Day at the Rajiv Sports Compound in Vizianagaram. The MP’s offer has gained significant traction, with many hailing it as a bold step towards addressing the state’s demographic challenges.
The Chief Minister had recently voiced concerns about the declining population in southern India, particularly in states like Andhra Pradesh, which have an aging demographic. He pointed out that states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, with their younger populations, are better positioned for long-term growth. Naidu emphasized the importance of managing the demographic dividend rather than focusing solely on population control.
“I used to advocate family planning. Now I am changing my views and promoting population growth,” Naidu said during a visit to Delhi in March. He highlighted that India, with its large population, has the potential to leverage the demographic dividend for global prosperity.
In a related move, Naidu also announced that maternity leave will be extended to all women employees, regardless of the number of children they have. Previously, maternity leave was only available to women with two children. This policy change aims to support family growth, promote gender equality, and assist women in balancing their personal and professional responsibilities.
Naidu’s initiatives reflect his ongoing efforts to address the state’s demographic issues while empowering women in Andhra Pradesh.
