Tue Nov 19 05:50:00 UTC 2024: **Andhra Pradesh Lifts Child Limit for Local Elections**
AMARAVATI, November 19, 2024 – The Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly has unanimously passed amendments to the Panchayat Raj and Municipal Acts, removing the restriction on the number of children a candidate can have to contest local body elections. The move, driven by concerns over declining birth rates in the state, aims to encourage population growth.
The amendment repeals a 1994 provision, enacted during the TDP government, that barred individuals with more than two children from contesting local elections. Minister Manoah, representing Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan, explained that this earlier legislation reflected the high population growth rates of the 1980s and 90s. However, citing the National Family Health Survey (NFHS), he highlighted a dramatic drop in the state’s fertility rate from 3.7 in 1993-94 to 1.6 currently. This decline, coupled with a shrinking percentage of the population under 15, prompted the government’s action.
The government argues that the amendment is not merely about allowing more people to participate in local governance but also about addressing the long-term implications of a declining birth rate for the state’s economic growth and development. MLA Kuna Ravikumar emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting the alarmingly low number of families having three or more children. MLA Ramajaneyulu added that strengthening the financial security of families would be crucial in reversing this trend.
The unanimous passage of the amendments signals a significant policy shift, reflecting the state’s growing concern over demographic changes and their potential impact on Andhra Pradesh’s future.
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