Bacche Badhao scheme Chandrababu Naidu: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has raised concerns about the states declining birth rate, revealing that many villages are now predominantly populated by elderly citizens. While much of India is being advised to curb population growth, Naidu is advocating for an increase in family sizes, as he fears that the shrinking youth population will have long-term consequences on the states future.Naidus unique population management approachAs India faces growing concerns about overpopulation, Andhra Pradesh is moving in the opposite direction. Chandrababu Naidu is considering introducing the Bacche Badhao scheme, encouraging families to have more children. The chief minister is alarmed by the falling number of births and is proposing new population management strategies.As part of this initiative, the state government is contemplating offering additional benefits to families with more children. Naidus administration is also evaluating policies that may require candidates in local elections to have more than two children.Why is Naidu concerned about fewer childrenThe chief minister attributes the aging population of Andhra Pradesh to several factors, one of which is the migration of young people to other countries. This exodus has led to a shortage of youth in the state, and Naidu fears that if this trend continues, Andhra Pradesh could face significant demographic challenges.He recalled that earlier policies limited families to two children, but given the current circumstances, he believes the policy must be reversed to ensure the states demographic and economic stability. Naidu emphasized that while the state may have a demographic advantage until 2047, it is crucial to act now.Population imbalance between North and South IndiaChandrababu Naidu also highlighted the disparity between population growth in northern and southern India. The fertility rate in South India, particularly in Andhra Pradesh, has dropped to 1.6 percent, well below the national average of 2.1 percent. Naidu warned that if this trend continues, the number of elderly citizens will skyrocket by 2047, placing additional strain on the states resources. He also noted that urbanization, geographical factors, and socio-economic conditions contribute to the uneven population distribution between North and South India.
