Andhra Pradesh: CM Naidu announces Rs 30,000 for third child, Rs 40,000 for fourth

Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday announced cash incentives to encourage higher birth rates, pledging Rs 30,000 for the birth of a third child and Rs 40,000 for a fourth.

Speaking at a public meeting in Narasannapeta, Srikakulam district, held under the 'Swachhandhra Swarnandhra' programme, Naidu said the payments would be made to parents immediately after the child’s birth. “There was a time when I worked for the family planning. Children are asset. Today once again we all have to work hard for children. I have taken a decision. For the third child, we will give Rs 30,000 immediately after birth. For the fourth child, we will give Rs 40,000,” he said, drawing laughter and applause from the crowd.

The chief minister described children as the nation’s true wealth and said the state government will roll out a special action plan under a Population Management Policy to address declining birth rates. He warned that falling populations and ageing demographics hav e hurt some economies and said Andhra Pradesh must reverse the trend.

Naidu also announced a new initiative, ‘Children Are Wealth’, and said Anganwadi centres will be strengthened so mothers and children receive better nutrition through the Women and Child Welfare department. He noted the state already provides Rs 15,000 under the ‘Talli ki Vandanam’ (Salute to the Mother) scheme.

(Inputs from IANS)