Pillale Sampada policy to boost population growth in Andhra Pradesh

The Andhra Pradesh government is planning to hold extensive consultations and gather public opinion before implementing a new population management policy titled, ‘Pillale Sampada’ (children are wealth), across the State, aimed at encouraging population growth and addressing the steadily declining fertility rate.

The Total Fertility Rate (TFR) in the State, which once stood at 2.10, has now declined to 1.50. In comparison, the national average fertility rate is 1.9, placing Andhra Pradesh well below the national level.

As part of the proposed policy shift, the government is planning to move away from population control measures and instead promote population growth. Under the proposed incentive scheme, families may receive financial assistance of ₹30,000 upon the birth of a third child and ₹40,000 for the fourth.

The State government believes that a falling fertility rate could lead to a severe shortage of human resources and economic stagnation in the future. Concerned over the rapidly declining fertility rate and its possible long-term impact on workforce availability and economic growth, the coalition government is proposing the innovative programme.