Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu announced a major policy shift from population control to population conservation, saying human resources are the foundation of sustainable development. 

 

Addressing the World Population Day programme in Vijayawada today, he launched the “Pillale Sampada” (Children are Wealth) initiative and said that Andhra Pradesh would encourage balanced population growth to secure its future.

 

Mr. Naidu said declining fertility rates and an ageing population pose serious challenges to the State and several southern States. He noted that many countries are witnessing population decline and stressed that development goals cannot be achieved without adequate human resources. He said the government would consult people before implementing the new policy.

 

The Chief Minister said women’s education, healthcare and economic empowerment remain key priorities. He called for shared responsibility in raising children and urged efforts to reduce unnecessary Caesarean deliveries while improving maternal and child healthcare. He said the government is strengthening nutrition through Anganwadi centres, establishing childcare facilities at workplaces and providing 15,000 rupees per child under the Talliki Vandanam scheme to support education.

 

Mr. Naidu also expressed concern over the misuse of social media and called for responsible digital behaviour. Reiterating his vision of Swarna Andhra, he said the State aims to achieve a per capita income of 55 lakh rupees by 2047 and appealed to people to support the “Pillale Sampada” initiative, saying a healthy and growing population is essential for Andhra Pradesh’s long-term prosperity.