Andhra CM Naidu bats for larger families, says population key to development

Amaravati, Jul 11 (PTI) Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday said population is crucial for any kind of development, as he addressed a programme commemorating World Population Day. Addressing the gathering, the chief minister observed that population is declining in 40 countries, including the southern states of India. “For any kind of development, population is crucial. Youth is thinking about micro families, but it is dangerous,” Naidu said. According to the CM, the number of children is reducing in Anganwadi centres and schools, while the number of elderly people is increasing in the state. Though Andhra Pradesh is the seventh largest state area-wise in the country, Naidu underscored that it ranks low population-wise. He highlighted that the government has adopted the view that children are an asset, underlining that population protection is key at this juncture. Naidu said the government will take up a “children are an asset” programme in consultation with the people, stressing that it has to be realised that population management is a reality. He said the family system is a blessing to India, which everybody should embrace, adding that this system should be preserved to serve as an example for the world. Further, Naidu said the government is not undertaking population control but population protection programmes. The TDP supremo underlined that the southern states' total fertility rate should rise. PTI STH SSK