The recent move by Andhra Pradesh to abolish its two-child policy has sparked discussions on population control measures across India. This policy had previously restricted individuals with more than two children from contesting local elections. In light of demographic changes, Telangana is expected to follow suit by amending its Panchayat Raj Act. The need to address an ageing population has prompted these states to reconsider family planning policies.
Context of Policy Changes
Andhra Pradesh’s Chief Minister brought into light the urgency to incentivise larger families due to declining fertility rates. The state’s Total Fertility Rate (TFR) stands at 1.5, below the national average of 2.11. This decline poses risks to future productivity and economic stability. As populations age, states like Telangana and Andhra Pradesh aim to ensure a balanced demographic structure.
Demographic Challenges
Demographers warn that simply scrapping the two-child policy will not reverse the ageing trend. The focus is shifting to how these changes will impact political representation. With delimitation based on population expected in 2026, southern states fear losing Lok Sabha seats. Leaders from these regions advocate for fair representation based on demographic realities.
Incentives for Larger Families
To combat low fertility rates, Andhra Pradesh plans to introduce incentives for families with more children. This approach mirrors policies in several European nations, which have successfully encouraged higher birth rates. The aim is to create a supportive environment for families, ensuring a sustainable population growth rate.
National Perspectives
The discussion around population control is not limited to Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. National leaders, including those from the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, express concern over population decline. A proposed three-child policy has been suggested to maintain demographic balance. This reflects a broader debate on how India should manage its population growth.
Historical Context
The two-child policy originated in the late 20th century as a response to rapid population growth. Initially, it aimed to curb population increases by restricting government positions based on family size. Over time, various states adopted this policy, with Rajasthan leading the way in 1992. The recent trend of rescinding this policy indicates a shift in demographic strategy.
Future Implications
The repeal of the two-child policy may lead to changes in family planning and demographic management in India. As states adapt to their unique challenges, the implications for political representation, economic productivity, and social structures will be closely monitored.
Questions for UPSC:
- Examine the implications of declining fertility rates on India’s economic productivity.
- Discuss in the light of recent policy changes, how population control measures affect political representation in India.
- Critically discuss the historical context of family planning policies in India and their outcomes.
- With suitable examples, discuss the role of incentives in promoting larger families in different countries.
Answer Hints:
1. Examine the implications of declining fertility rates on India’s economic productivity.
- Declining fertility rates can lead to a smaller workforce, affecting economic output.
- Aging population increases healthcare and pension burdens, straining public finances.
- Low birth rates may result in labor shortages in key sectors, impacting growth.
- Reduced consumer base affects market demand, slowing economic expansion.
- Countries with low fertility rates often face challenges in sustaining innovation and productivity levels.
2. Discuss in the light of recent policy changes, how population control measures affect political representation in India.
- Population-based delimitation could reduce Lok Sabha seats for southern states with low fertility.
- States like Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are reconsidering policies to maintain political influence.
- Scrapping the two-child policy may enhance representation for larger families in local governance.
- Political leaders express concerns over equitable representation based on demographic changes.
- Historical policies have often marginalized regions with successful family planning, affecting political power dynamics.
3. Critically discuss the historical context of family planning policies in India and their outcomes.
- The two-child policy emerged in the 1990s to address rapid population growth and its challenges.
- Initially aimed at curbing growth, it restricted government positions based on family size.
- States adopted the policy variably, with Rajasthan being the first in 1992.
- Outcomes included reduced birth rates but also concerns over aging populations and fertility declines.
- Recent rollbacks indicate a shift towards incentivizing larger families to ensure demographic balance.
4. With suitable examples, discuss the role of incentives in promoting larger families in different countries.
- Countries like France offer financial benefits and parental leave to encourage higher birth rates.
- Sweden provides subsidized childcare and generous parental leave, promoting family growth.
- Germany has implemented policies such as child bonuses to support families with more children.
- Incentives in Singapore include tax rebates and housing grants for larger families.
- These examples illustrate how supportive policies can effectively counter declining fertility trends.
