KURNOOL: The Andhra Pradesh authorities is planning to introduce money incentives and dietary assist for households having a 3rd and fourth youngster as a part of efforts to handle the state’s declining fertility price.

The proposal, mentioned throughout the collectors’ convention held in Amaravati on Might 7 and eight, will probably be taken up for remaining approval after completion of a three-month public session and consciousness programme.

In accordance with the proposal, moms giving delivery to a 3rd youngster will obtain a one-time incentive of Rs 30,000, whereas these delivering a fourth youngster will obtain Rs 40,000. The quantity will probably be immediately credited to the mom’s checking account on the time of childbirth together with the a NTR Child Package will probably be offered.

The proposal additionally consists of dietary assist within the type of millets. Households will obtain three kg of millets each month after the delivery of a 3rd youngster and 6 kg monthly after the delivery of a fourth youngster.

Officers mentioned month-to-month gram sabhas will probably be performed throughout Might, June and July 2026 to collect public suggestions on the proposed incentive construction. After consolidation of suggestions, the proposal will probably be positioned earlier than the Council of Ministers for remaining approval.

If accredited, implementation of the scheme is anticipated to start from August 15, 2026.

Officers have additionally been directed to conduct consciousness campaigns amongst eligible {couples}, whereas well being and different division workers will undertake discipline visits until August to counsel households on rising delivery charges.

Kids born as third or fourth offspring below the proposed scheme may also be enrolled in Anganwadi centres and coated below welfare schemes, together with the “Thalli Ki Vandanam” programme.

A senior official from the Household Welfare Division mentioned fertility charges are declining not solely in Andhra Pradesh but additionally in a number of different states, making proactive intervention essential to keep away from long-term demographic and financial challenges.

Officers famous that the state’s fertility price has dropped to round 1.5 youngsters per couple and is projected to say no additional to 1.2 by 2040. The proportion of the working-age inhabitants can also be anticipated to fall from 62.9 per cent to 57 per cent, elevating considerations over future financial productiveness.

In accordance with official information, almost 48.7 per cent of {couples} within the state are choosing a single youngster, whereas round 11.5 lakh {couples} are going through points associated to childlessness. The federal government can also be exploring public-private partnership fashions to offer IVF remedy to such {couples}.

Nonetheless, sections of the general public have expressed considerations over the proposal. G. Gangabhavani from Nandalur in Kadapa district mentioned rising training prices and monetary pressures have been making it tough even to boost one youngster.

Alongside selling increased delivery charges, the federal government can also be planning to scale down household planning operations and cut back the variety of caesarean deliveries in personal hospitals.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has directed district collectors to take steps to curb teenage pregnancies and intensify consciousness campaigns on the grassroots degree.