Population Management Policy will be introduced in A.P. by Ugadi, says CM

Source: THE HINDU

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Why in News?

During the second day of the Collectors’ Conference (Dec 18, 2025), Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu announced that the State’s Population Management Policy will be formally introduced by Ugadi 2026, alongside major reforms in governance, welfare delivery, and law & order.

Key Highlights of the Announcement

Population Management Policy

To be introduced by Ugadi.
Aims to address demographic challenges, ensure balanced population growth, and strengthen welfare targeting.
Family Cards will digitally integrate details of all beneficiaries receiving government services and schemes.

Employment & Welfare Commitments

AP govt promised 20 lakh jobs under the TDP’s Yuva Galam programme.
4.5 lakh jobs have already been created.
Long-term developmental vision aligned with Swarnandhra-2047 Vision and its 10 guiding principles (Padi Sutralu).

Governance & Administrative Reforms

CM emphasised:
- Adoption of best practices in governance
- Data-driven decision-making
- Faster file clearance and improved work culture
- Eliminating delays in administration
Collectors instructed to achieve:
- Zero maternal mortality
- Zero infant mortality
- Zero suicides (through counselling for farmers, students, and families)

Sectoral Focus Areas

Agriculture & Horticulture
- Rayalaseema to be developed as an international horticulture hub.
- Detailed short, medium (5-year), and long-term (10–15-year) plans to be prepared for agriculture covering all three seasons.
Water & Irrigation
- Target groundwater levels:
  - 3 metres at end of monsoon
  - Not below 8 metres before next monsoon
Fisheries
- AP to leverage its position as a leading state in aquaculture.
Logistics & Industrial Growth
- AP to be positioned as a major logistics hub on India’s East Coast.
- Ensuring land dispute resolution under Section 22-A of the Registration Act, with strict prohibition on political interference.

Law & Order Measures

Zero tolerance for crime.
Habitual offenders to be expelled from the State.
A Cabinet Sub-Committee to be formed to combat:
- Malicious propaganda
- Fake social media accounts
- Character assassination campaigns
DGP reported:
- 5.5% decline in overall crime
- Rising crime in Annamayya, Konaseema, Nellore, Guntur, and Tirupati
Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan stressed strong law & order to achieve 15% growth.

Financial & Infrastructure Governance

- Clarified that power tariffs are not being increased.
- Aquaculture farmers must pay electricity dues promptly.
- Govt rescheduling high-interest loans (up to 14%) inherited from the previous regime.

Central Schemes Monitoring

Many Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) were revived after being neglected earlier.
Of the ₹24,513 crore sanctioned, ₹6,252 crore remained unspent.
Only 38% expenditure under PMAY.
Centre may release ₹5,000–6,000 crore more if AP fully utilises pending funds.

Significance

Signals a shift toward high-efficiency governance, data-driven welfare, and demographic stabilisation.
Focus on skills, agriculture, water management, law & order, and press freedom accountability reflects a multi-dimensional governance approach.
The proposed Population Management Policy places AP among states proactively addressing long-term socio-economic sustainability.

Conclusion

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CARE MCQ

Q. The newly announced Population Management Policy in Andhra Pradesh aims to integrate all welfare beneficiaries through which digital mechanism?

(a) Aadhaar-seeded Bank Accounts
(b) Family Cards
(c) Household Census Dashboard
(d) AP Digital Grama Portal

Answer: (b)

Explanation:

The Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister announced that the Population Management Policy, to be introduced by Ugadi, will be supported by a comprehensive beneficiary database through Family Cards, which will register details of all individuals receiving government services and welfare schemes.