ANDHRA PRADESH CHIEF MINISTER CHANDRABABU NAIDU FLAGS LOW SUB-REPLACEMENT FERTILITY RATE, RISING POPULATION OF THE AGED

At 1.7 as against the standard of more than 2.1, the fertility rate, if unaddressed, can lead to economic slowdown, labour shortage, burden of geriatric care, and widening of the urban-rural disparities, he asserts

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Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has said that the State has a sub-replacement fertility rate of 1.7, which, if unaddressed, can lead to economic slowdown, labour shortage, burden of geriatric care, and widening the urban-rural disparities.

The low fertility rate also raises concerns over long-term population sustainability, and the need for proactive social and economic planning. These concerns indicate the need for family support programmes, with focus on women and elderly care, upskilling, and balanced regional development.

"Besides, there is a need to tackle gender imbalances, teenage pregnancies, and rising prevalence of early hysterectomies. Action in these areas will require real-time data to effectively monitor fertility, aging, and migration patterns in the State," Mr. Naidu observed while speaking as chief guest in the 1st Amaravati Summit on World Population Day, organised near the State Secretariat on Friday.

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