Andhra MP Offers Cash and Cow Incentives for Third Child to Boost Population

TDP MP Kalisetti Appala Naidu announces controversial incentives to encourage population growth, raising concerns over gender bias and federal implications.

TDP MP Kalisetti Appala Naidu has promised ₹50,000 for families with a third girl child and a cow for a third boy child in his constituency, Vizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh.
The announcement aligns with Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu's recent advocacy for population growth, citing concerns over South India's ageing demographic.
Critics have pointed out the gender bias in the incentives, with greater rewards offered for boys, sparking debate on societal implications.
The move comes as southern states, including Andhra Pradesh, voice opposition to population-based parliamentary seat redistribution, which they argue marginalizes their controlled population growth.
The Chief Minister has also extended maternity leave for all childbirths, regardless of the number of children, as part of broader efforts to promote family growth.