Presently Andhra Pradesh’s total fertility ratio is 1.5 which is below the replacement value of 2.1. To address the falling birth rate, the Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu is considering to offer an incentive of Rs 25,000 to couples having a second child or more. The amount would be given at the time of delivery of the child and he considers this to be a game-changer as it would also address the ageing population. Making babies and creating a baby boom are easy but the upkeep and rearing of the children in the years to come and followed by worries about employment; would drain the parents physically, mentally and financially. A working woman would have to sacrifice her job or take long leave and these may not be possible, the woman has to recuperate and bounce back to normalcy after child-birth for which she will need nourishing food, family and financial support and situation at home may not be conducive for another child. The enticement of Rs 25k will do no wonders as it is a one-off payment which may be insufficient even to pay the maternity bills.
