Telugu Desam Party president and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu faced embarrassing questions from women during an interaction at Markapuram in Prakasam district on International Women’s Day.
One woman questioned why he had previously promoted a two-child policy and was now advocating for three or more children.
A visibly embarrassed Naidu admitted that he had indeed supported population control in the past, stating, "Yes, I campaigned for the two-child norm in the interest of the nation."
However, he said his views had changed after realizing the long-term consequences of population decline.
“In China, Japan, and Europe, the elderly population is rising while birth rates are falling. If this trend continues in India, it will become a serious problem in the next 20 years," he explained.
"That is why I am now suggesting that women have at least two or three children for the nation’s future. Under the ‘Talli Ki Vandanam’ scheme, we will provide â¹15,000 per child to support mothers, regardless of the number of children they have," Naidu added.
He also announced an additional incentive for women employees, extending maternity leave benefits even if they have more than two children, a departure from the current policy.
Furthermore, women entrepreneurs will receive a 45% investment subsidy and flexible degree opportunities to upgrade their skills.
Naidu also introduced WhatsApp Governance, allowing citizens to access government services from home.