Chief Minister Chandrababu has come with a new population policy to have more population. Speaking to media persons on Thursday, he says that people above two children shall be eligible to contest elections in local body elections. As the Chief Minister said, population, as a resource, will help the policies while implementing them to the people considering family size also.

Revisiting population policy

Population, once considered a burden, is now an asset," Chandrababu said. He explained how earlier policies incentivized population control. Families with five members were given 25 kg of rice. Families with more members were not given anything extra. There was a law passed that would not allow a candidate to contest an election if he or she had more than two children.

However, the Chief Minister said that there was an immediate need for population growth and went on to project:

  • The population of the state, currently 5.38 crore, would reach a peak of 5.44 crore by 2036 and decline to 5.41 crore by 2051.
  • TFR is already at 1.51 children per couple, which would go down to 1.07 by 2051, a long way short of the replacement rate of 2.1.

"This trend is alarming. Without adequate population growth, welfare activities of wealth creation will have no takers. We will have airports and highways in the future, but not enough people to have them used," cautioned Chandrababu.

Strong Stance on Governance and Law Enforcement

The Chief Minister also reiterated that his government would not compromise on law and order. He stressed accountability and pledged quick actions against wrongdoers if there was strong evidence in support.

"We are committed to transparent governance. Our manifesto connected with the voters, and we are committed to their expectations. Political factionalism will not be allowed in our administration," he said.

Main points from his speech are as follows:

  • Illegal Activities: The government is determined to curb drug, liquor, and marijuana mafias.
  • Technological Enforcement: Advanced tools like drones and CCTV cameras will be used to track criminals and anti-social elements.
  • Judicial Accountability: Cases against the previous government's misdeeds will continue with evidence, and justice will be delivered.

Chandrababu added, "Justice takes time, but wrongdoers will face consequences. Our judicial system ensures accountability. This principle applies universally, including in cases like those from Rayalaseema.