Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday unveiled a draft population management policy aimed at raising the state’s Total Fertility Rate by giving a financial incentive of Rs 25,000 for couples who have a third child.

“With fertility declining sharply, we must act now to secure our demographic future,” Naidu said.

The policy also promises free education for the third child up to 18 years of age in public or residential schools.

Naidu said the policy aims to improve the state’s fertility rate from the current 1.5 to 2.1, which is ideal to maintain demographic balance.

Speaking in the Legislative Assembly, Naidu highlighted that the state faces a declining birth rate and an ageing population and warned that by 2047 nearly 23% of residents could be elderly if fertility rates are not stabilised.

“Currently, about 58% of families have only one child, around 2.17 lakh families have two children, and nearly 62 lakh families have three or more children,” The Indian Express quoted Naidu as telling the Assembly. “Around three lakh families have only one child instead of two, while another three lakh families have more than two children.”

The policy document will be placed in the public domain for one month for consultations, after which it will be finalised and implemented from April 1, the chief minister said.

The policy also considers extending maternal leave to 12 months and paternal leave to two months. Besides, it recommends launching the “Poshana – Shiksha – Suraksha” package to ensure nutrition, education and protection for every child, Naidu said.

“We will support those who are childless and suffering from fertility problems,” he added while saying the government will set up in-vitro fertilisation centres in government hospitals.