Government Announces Unusual Plan: Cash Rewards for Third and Fourth Child Births

Islamabad (Kudrat News) — The government of India’s Andhra Pradesh state has announced an unusual initiative aimed at addressing the declining birth rate by offering financial incentives to parents for having a third and fourth child.

According to Indian media reports, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu stated during a public gathering that the declining population growth rate in the state has become a serious concern, requiring practical policy measures.

Under the new proposal, parents will receive 30,000 Indian rupees for the birth of a third child, while 40,000 rupees will be provided for the birth of a fourth child.

He said the government aims to encourage larger families in response to the challenges posed by an ageing population and declining fertility rates.

Chandrababu Naidu added that detailed guidelines for the policy will be released within the next month to ensure public awareness and transparency.

Previously, the government had considered offering 25,000 rupees for the second child, but later expanded the proposal to include incentives for families with three or more children, according to Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav.

The Chief Minister also highlighted that changing economic conditions and rising incomes have led many couples to opt for only one child, while some families base their decision for a second child on gender preference.

He warned that the average fertility rate required to maintain population stability is 2.1 children per woman, and a continued decline could lead to serious economic and social challenges in the future.

The initiative has sparked debate in social and economic circles across India, with experts viewing it as an unusual and controversial approach to population management.