Rs 30k for 3rd kid, Rs 40k for 4th: When childbirth becomes number game, it is women who suffer

Andhra Pradesh's new cash incentives for more children signal a policy U-turn, aiming to counter falling fertility and an ageing population. However, critics argue this approach ignores the high costs of raising children, gender inequality, and the need for robust social support systems, potentially reinforcing patriarchal norms rather than addressing demographic concerns effectively.

By NATASHA SINGH