Political Leaders Face Criticism Over Population Growth Comments, As the recent statements by Tamil Nadu CM Stalin and Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu encouraging larger families have sparked strong reactions, particularly from women and working mothers who highlight the practical challenges of raising children in today’s economic climate.

A Working Mother’s Perspective

“Little did these men think about how it is a choice of women, of men, of families,” states a working mother, sharing her personal experience of balancing career and motherhood. Her story resonates with many women across South India:

Worked through nine months of pregnancy
• Had to rush home between work commitments to feed her child
  Faced lack of workplace support systems
  Experienced workplace discrimination as a pregnant employee

  “Let’s be honest! A pregnant woman is seen as a liability by most companies,” she emphasizes, highlighting a persistent challenge in corporate culture.

  KTR Echoes Concerns

  BRS leader KTR pointed out that Telangana’s fertility rate of 1.7 reflects successful family planning policies. He emphasized the need to address fundamental issues before encouraging population growth:

  – Expensive education and healthcare
  – Inadequate urban infrastructure
  – Limited support for working mothers
  – Absence of workplace childcare facilities

  Economic Realities

  The rising cost of raising children emerges as a central theme, with middle-class families increasingly opting for single-child households. As one mother notes, “Most middle-class families are choosing to have a single child because raising a child is so much more expensive now!”

  Call for Government Action

  Critics of the South CMs’ statements demand concrete solutions before discussing population growth:
  – Affordable education systems
  – Better healthcare infrastructure
  – Workplace support for parents
  – Childcare facilities in offices
  – Family-friendly corporate policies

  “If governments want women to have more children to suit their political agenda, first give us the facilities to enable it,” summarizes the working mother’s challenge to political leaders.

  The Delimitation Debate

  While political leaders worry about losing parliamentary seats due to lower population growth, women’s advocates and leaders like KTR suggest focusing on:
  – Improving existing infrastructure
  – Supporting current population needs
  – Fighting for fair political representation without compromising family planning successes

  This issue highlights the disconnect between political party aspirations and the practical realities faced by families, particularly women, in South India.

  -Sanyogita