Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu announced a population management policy encouraging larger families and joint family values. He also highlighted welfare schemes, job creation, irrigation plans and infrastructure projects during Ugadi celebrations in Vijayawada

Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday announced a population management policy aimed at boosting the state’s population, while emphasising the need to strengthen family systems.

The Chief Minister said efforts are being made to revive the joint family system to ensure better care for elders and enhanced social stability.

“Through a population management policy, we are taking steps to increase population. Again, we must strengthen families and values in society,” Naidu said while addressing Ugadi celebrations organised by the government in Vijayawada.

Under the policy, the government will offer financial incentives of Rs 25,000 to families having two or three children.

According to him, a declining birth rate and an ageing population are emerging as serious concerns globally. The trend has begun to manifest in south India.

The CM said his perspective on family planning has now transitioned into a broader strategy for population management, stressing that larger families are vital to maintaining demographic balance.

“Earlier, I said one child is ideal, two are okay and three are not advisable. Now I am reversing it. One is not enough, two are good and three are even better,” he added.

The Chief Minister warned that a continued decline in population could lead to a future dominated by machines and automation, reducing human participation in the workforce.

He said that ideally a couple should have 2.1 children to maintain stability, but noted that the rate in the state has dropped to around 1.5, raising concerns over long-term demographic imbalance.

Naidu noted that several countries are already facing the consequences of ageing populations, with fewer young people and increasing pressure on economic and social systems.

He called for a return to value-based living, ensuring support for immediate family members.

Naidu reaffirmed his government’s commitment to providing economic, social and health security to all people, while promoting joint family values and planning measures to encourage such systems.

He said schemes such as Talli ki Vandanam, which offers Rs 15,000 annual financial aid for school-going children, will support family growth and social security.

Despite financial constraints, he said the state government has extended support to the poor with a continued focus on welfare measures.

He said reservoirs currently have a storage level of about 65 per cent and water will be released for irrigation purposes from May 15, encouraging farmers to prepare for heavy sowing during the Kharif season.

The CM said the state government has introduced a water security policy to ensure availability for drinking, agriculture, industries and environmental needs.

He highlighted that governance will increasingly become technology-driven, enabling better response to natural disasters and climatic variations.

Referring to the Sanjeevani project, he said it aims to strengthen public health and that digital health records will enable personalised medical care in future.

According to him, the TDP, BJP and Janasena alliance was formed to ensure welfare, development and good governance.

He said his government is focusing on uplifting the poorest sections through targeted policies.

The CM said regional economic corridors centred around Visakhapatnam, Tirupati and Amaravati will drive development, along with improved logistics connectivity.

He said over Rs 1,900 crore has been provided so far to families displaced due to the Polavaram project, while criticising the previous YSRCP government between 2019 and 2024 for not extending compensation.

Naidu reiterated that the Polavaram project will be completed before Godavari Pushkarams (kumbh mela-like festival), ensuring gravity-based water supply to the Krishna delta and Visakhapatnam.

He said around Rs 5,000 crore more is required for the project and thanked the Centre for financial support.

Calling Amaravati the “people’s capital”, he said the NDA coalition government is implementing short, medium and long-term plans for overall development.

He underscored that employment generation remains a priority, with a job calendar released for 10,060 posts, along with recruitment of nearly 16,000 teachers and over 5,700 police constables.

Naidu claimed that about 30,600 government jobs and over 6.2 lakh private sector jobs have been created.

The CM said notifications for job recruitment will be issued between May 15 and October 15, ensuring opportunities for youth.

He also highlighted that Andhra Pradesh has secured the top position in consumer justice, reflecting the government’s focus on protecting consumer rights.

Naidu expressed confidence that by 2047, the state will become a wealthy, healthy and happy society, achieving global recognition for Telugu people.

Meanwhile, Naidu signed the first file on the occasion of Ugadi, approving financial assistance under the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF) for thousands of beneficiaries.

The Chief Minister cleared Rs 55.63 crore to extend financial and medical assistance to 6,787 beneficiaries as part of welfare support to the poor.

Meanwhile, the Ugadi awards were presented by the Chief Minister to artists who have made distinguished contributions across various fields.

He also presented mementoes to eminent artists and extended his congratulations for their accomplishments.

A total of 38 individuals received Kala Ratna awards, while 122 were honoured with Ugadi awards.