Population Growth Vital for Economic Stability, Asserts Naidu

Dismisses concerns over declining population affecting MP seat strength, advocates for population management to counterbalance ageing demographics

- EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE @ Vijayawada

CHIEF Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu emphasised the need to shift from population control to population management, urging families to have more children to counterbalance ageing demographics and sustain economic growth.

Speaking at a workshop on 'Population Dynamics and Development' at SRM University in Amaravati on Tuesday, Naidu said demographic challenges demand a revised strategy. While he had previously supported the two-child policy in 1995 to combat poverty, he now believes population growth is vital for maintaining economic stability.

Naidu dismissed concerns about declining population affecting parliamentary seat strength, asserting that national interests must take precedence. He encouraged southern states to consider increasing their population to ensure future workforce availability.

Drawing comparisons with countries like China, Japan, and Germany, where population decline has strained economies, Naidu stressed that India must leverage its human capital wisely.