Andhra Pradesh's Chief Minister, N. Chandrababu Naidu, has voiced concern over the increasing elderly population. Highlighting these growing worries, he urged families in the southern states to have more children. Naidu emphasized the need to bolster the youth population to maintain the country's demographic advantage.
During his address, the Chief Minister unveiled plans to introduce laws encouraging larger families. Naidu declared, "The government plans to make only those with more than two children eligible to contest local body elections."
Concern Expressed over the Rising Elderly Population
The initiative aims to motivate families to have more children, ensuring a young, more vibrant population in the coming years. Naidu shed light on the emerging issue of the increasing elderly population in South India, including Andhra Pradesh.
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He commented, "Although we have a demographic advantage until 2047, signs of aging issues in South India have begun to appear. Several countries, including Japan, China, and some European nations, are grappling with this problem, where a large part of the population is elderly." Displacement of young people seeking better opportunities to other parts of the country or abroad has exacerbated this challenge in the southern states.
If the Trend Continues, Problems Will Increase - Naidu
CM Naidu stated, "Many villages across Andhra Pradesh and the country are left with only elderly people. The younger generation has moved to cities." Naidu further mentioned that the fertility rate in the southern states has already decreased to 1.6, significantly below the national average of 2.1. He warned, "If the decline in fertility rates continues, we will face severe elderly issues by 2047, which is undesirable."
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