Tamil Nadu Grants Year of Paid Leave for Third Child to Boost Birth Rates

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay granted one year of paid maternity leave for a third child, responding to declining fertility rates below the replacement level in southern India. Andhra Pradesh also introduced cash incentives for additional children. South India's annual births have declined over two decades, raising concerns about ageing populations and workforce shortages. This demographic shift could affect political representation as northern states see increased population growth.