Delimitation Debate: The 16-Child Paradox in Southern States

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin critiques the Lok Sabha delimitation process, warning it may encourage larger families in contrast to existing population control efforts. His remarks follow similar suggestions by Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu, who urges higher birth rates for demographic balance amid fears of reduced parliamentary representation.

The Lok Sabha delimitation exercise may inadvertently promote larger families, warned Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Monday, citing a Tamil adage. He voiced concerns just days after Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu encouraged women to have more children to stabilize his state's population.

Stalin highlighted a traditional blessing, 'pathinarum petru peru vazhvu vazhga,' which promotes prosperity through acquiring wealth, not necessarily a large family, during a mass marriage event in Chennai. His remarks underscore worries that delimitation could penalize southern states with reduced representation in Parliament for their effective population control strategies.

These concerns were heightened by Naidu's call for a demographic adjustment to manage an anticipated aging population. With Tamil Nadu's birth rate at 1.6, Stalin emphasized the historical context of blessings focusing on prosperity rather than large families, suggesting modern interpretations now mistakenly endorse having 16 children.

(With inputs from agencies.)