South India Debates Larger Families Amid Concerns Over Ageing Population And Representation

For years, South Indian states have been lauded for their success in controlling population growth. However, after decades of family planning policies, political leaders are now questioning whether a reversal is needed. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has ignited a debate on the necessity of larger families to address the challenges of an ageing society. Naidu highlighted the ageing crises faced by countries like Japan, China, and Europe, suggesting that states like Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka must consider similar future challenges. Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin added another perspective, emphasizing concerns over political representation. He pointed to the upcoming delimitation of Lok Sabha constituencies, which, if based solely on population, could significantly reduce the number of seats allocated to South India.

The India Ageing Report 2023 shows that by 2036, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh will have over 19% elderly populations, while states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh will see a share of less than 12%. Southern states also express frustration at losing central funds, claiming they are being penalized for successfully controlling population growth compared to the rest of the country.