Archive · 9 Aug 2026
Tamil Nadu weighs incentives for larger families as fertility declines
Tamil Nadu is a big state in India.
It is worried because families are having fewer babies.
The average number of children per woman has fallen below 1.4, which is less than the 2.1 needed to keep the population steady.
About 16 out of every 100 people in the state are older than 60.
With many older people and few children, caring for everyone becomes harder.
The health minister said the government may offer rewards to families who have more children, similar to what other states are reportedly doing.
Fewer babies are now being born in government-run hospitals than before.
The government wants to study why that is happening.
The minister also talked about medical colleges, hospital rules, and a water dispute with a neighbouring state.
Tamil Nadu's Total Fertility Rate has fallen below 1.4, well below the replacement level of 2.1.
Health Minister K G Arunraj said the state could consider incentives for couples to have more children, citing reportedly similar schemes in Andhra Pradesh.
Nearly 16 per cent of the state's population is aged above 60, which the minister called a major public health challenge.
The share of deliveries in government facilities dropped from 65.8 per cent in 2017-18 to 51 per cent, prompting a planned study into the decline.
Arunraj warned private medical colleges against collecting fees illegally and reaffirmed the state's opposition to Karnataka's Mekedatu dam project.
- Who
- Tamil Nadu Health Minister K G Arunraj, addressing the Obstetrics and Gynaecological Society of South India's mid-year workshop.
- What
- Announced the state may consider incentives for larger families amid falling fertility, and outlined issues on maternity care, medical education, fees, and the Cauvery/Mekedatu dispute.
- When
- Sunday; the medical counselling schedule and merit list are to be published on August 10.
- Where
- Tamil Nadu.
- Why
- The state's fertility rate has fallen below the replacement level while nearly 16 per cent of the population is above 60, creating an ageing-population challenge.
Opposition and dam opponents
Government and project proponents
Rebranding of welfare schemes
Opposition and dam opponents
The opposition alleges the ruling government is merely rebranding schemes introduced by previous administrations.
Government and project proponents
The government dismisses the allegations, arguing that policy continuity is essential for good governance.
Mekedatu dam and Cauvery water
Opposition and dam opponents
Tamil Nadu's government says it will not succumb to pressure from the Centre and will remain united in protecting the state's federal rights in opposition to Karnataka's proposed Mekedatu dam.
Government and project proponents
Karnataka has proposed the Mekedatu dam project and the Centre is exerting pressure on Tamil Nadu, according to the minister's remarks.
- Total Fertility Rate
- Below 1.4; replacement level is 2.1
- Population above 60
- Nearly 16 per cent
- Childbirths in hospitals
- 99 per cent
- Government hospital deliveries
- 51 per cent currently, down from 65.8 per cent in 2017-18
- New scheme
- Thaai Maaman Thangam, to ease private healthcare costs
- New medical seats
- 150 added across three government medical colleges
- Medical counselling results
- Schedule and merit list on August 10