Indian CM urges women to have at least two children amidst declining birth rates

Indian women are being encouraged to have at least two children as Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu raises alarms over the state’s declining birth rate.

Currently at 1.6 live births per woman, Andhra Pradesh's fertility rate falls below the replacement level of 2.1, leading Naidu to warn of an impending demographic crisis characterized by an aging population and a shrinking workforce.

Naidu's appeal reflects a broader global concern about declining birth rates.

Similar challenges are observed in Europe, the US, and other parts of Asia, where aging populations threaten economic stability and welfare systems.

Despite India's recent population growth—surpassing China to reach 1.4 billion—fertility rates have significantly decreased, from 3.4 children per woman in 1992 to an average of 2.0 today.

Naidu, who previously advocated for smaller families to conserve resources, now emphasizes a shift toward "population management" rather than strict population control.

He asserts that having larger families is vital for the state’s future, suggesting that population growth is essential for economic prosperity.

Critics have pointed out the irony of his new stance, particularly since he had previously enacted policies that penalized families with more than two children from holding local government positions.

This push for larger families aligns with similar initiatives in states like Uttar Pradesh and Assam, where proposed laws impose restrictions on government employment and welfare benefits for families with more than two children.

Proponents argue that such measures could lead to sustainable development and poverty alleviation, but critics caution that they risk exacerbating issues like unsafe abortions and gender discrimination.

The narrative around population control has often intersected with communal tensions, as some political leaders have framed the discourse around the perceived threat of higher birth rates among certain communities, particularly Muslims.

Data shows that fertility rates among both Hindus and Muslims have been declining, undermining claims of a demographic crisis.

Experts highlight that coercive family planning measures have historically resulted in negative outcomes, including increased female foeticide and health risks for women.

The focus on two-child policies raises concerns about the violation of reproductive rights and the agency of women, particularly from marginalized communities.

Moreover, evidence from various studies suggests that improving women's access to education and healthcare is more effective in managing fertility rates than restrictive policies.

States like Kerala, which have invested in women's education and healthcare, have successfully lowered fertility rates without coercive measures.

As debates continue, advocates for sexual and reproductive health rights emphasize the need for policies that respect women's autonomy and provide comprehensive healthcare, rather than imposing arbitrary child limits.

The call for families to have more children, while reflecting economic concerns, must also consider the broader implications for women’s rights and societal health.