In a significant policy shift, the Andhra Pradesh cabinet, led by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, has decided to eliminate the two-child norm that previously disqualified candidates with more than two children from running in rural and urban local body elections.
This change will be enacted through amendments to key legislation, including the Andhra Pradesh Municipal Corporation Act-1955, the AP Municipalities Act-1965, and the AP Panchayat Raj Act-1994.
State Information and Public Relations Minister Kolusu Parthasarathy explained that the decision to scrap the two-child rule reflects the State’s evolving socio-economic landscape and demographic trends.
With Andhra Pradesh’s Total Fertility Rate (TFR) at 1.5, below the national average of 2.11, and projected increases in the average age of fertility, the government believes this policy adjustment is necessary. The State’s elderly population is also growing, with projections indicating a rise from 11 per cent to 19 per cent by 2047, compared to the national increase from 10 per cent to 15 per cent.
The cabinet approved the extension of the ban on the Communist Party of India (Maoist) and Revolutionary Democratic Front (RDF) for another year. This extension under the AP Public Security Act-1992 reflects ongoing concerns about the organisations’ activities, including promoting left-wing extremism and causing social unrest.
Additionally, the cabinet will revamp the State’s excise policy, which has resulted in a revenue loss of ₹18,000 crore over the past five years. A sub-committee will be established to develop a new prohibition and excise policy by October 1, aimed at curbing the smuggling of non-duty paid liquor and other narcotics while ensuring quality liquor is available at affordable prices. The new policy will mandate 100 per cent digital transactions at liquor outlets.
Furthermore, the government will reissue 21,86,000 land right title deeds with updated features, including a State government emblem and QR code. To address complaints about previous irregularities, the CM has mandated that revenue officials conduct gram sabhas to verify legitimate beneficiaries over the next three months, during which no new registrations will be permitted.
