AP announces paternity leave

Incentives to boost population growth

KIRANMAI TUTIKA I hyderabad

The Andhra Pradesh government has announced a series of policy measures aimed at strengthening employee welfare while addressing concerns over the state’s declining population growth rate. The decisions were revealed during the recent Collectors’ Conference in Amaravati, where Health, Medical and Family Welfare Department Secretary Saurabh Gaur outlined the government’s new initiatives.

As part of efforts to encourage higher birth rates, the state govt has decided to grant two months of paternity leave on a pilot basis to male govt employees who have a third child. 

Officials said the initiative aims to promote shared parenting responsibilities and encourage greater involvement of fathers in child care.

The government has also introduced several measures to support women employees and improve workplace facilities. Offices with more than 50 women employees will be required to establish child care centres, enabling working mothers to balance professional responsibilities with childcare needs.

The government has also introduced financial incentives to support families and couples facing fertility challenges. Subsidised IVF and fertility treatments will be made available in government hospitals for couples struggling with infertility. Additionally, the state plans to provide a financial incentive of Rs 25,000 for the birth of a second child as part of efforts to encourage family growth.

In another important healthcare reform, the government is aiming to reduce the high rate of caesarean deliveries in the state. Currently, C-section deliveries account for about 67.5 per cent of births, and officials have set a target of bringing this figure down to below 40 per cent through improved maternal health practices and medical monitoring.

The state government has also introduced a new welfare initiative for employees approaching retirement. Around 50,000 government employees who are within two years of retirement will be eligible for a special benefit called “Wellness Leave.” Under this programme, employees will receive 15 days of special leave along with financial assistance of up to Rs 50,000 for medical check-ups and health care services.

Officials also highlighted broader public health initiatives being implemented by the state. These include the “Sanjeevani” comprehensive health insurance programme for families and the “Arogya Andhra Praja Vedika” initiative, which will be organised on every fourth Saturday to improve public awareness and access to healthcare services.