Tamil Nadu's Fertility Rate Drops to 1.3, Health Minister Flags Ageing Population Concerns
Tamil Nadu's Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has fallen to 1.3, significantly below the replacement level of 2.1, Health Minister K.G. Arunraj announced on Saturday. The state's TFR was 1.4 in 2025, highlighting a continued decline.
Speaking at a World Population Day event, the minister noted that India's TFR stands at 1.9. The TFR represents the average number of children a woman is expected to have during her reproductive years. A rate of 2.1 is considered necessary to maintain population stability.
Arunraj emphasized that Tamil Nadu is gradually becoming an ageing society. Currently, 16 out of every 100 residents are aged above 60, and projections indicate that within a decade, one in five persons will fall into this age group. He attributed the trend to multiple factors, including economic conditions, and stressed the need to study and address these root causes rather than relying solely on incentives for childbirth.
The minister cited neighboring Andhra Pradesh, which offers ₹30,000 for a third child and ₹40,000 for a fourth. Tamil Nadu, meanwhile, implements policies such as one-year maternity leave for women, two-month paternity leave for men, and free education for children. He called for strengthened healthcare services with a focus on women's needs.
Arunraj urged that all childbirths occur in healthcare institutions, warning that the government is considering stringent criminal action under public health laws against home deliveries. He also advocated for adequate spacing between pregnancies—at least two to three years—to ensure child development and maternal health.
Highlighting the challenges of pregnancy, including vomiting, giddiness, diabetes, and hypertension, as well as postpartum demands, the minister stressed the importance of men sharing responsibilities to provide assurance and support to women.
Noting that 41 out of every 100 working women in India are from Tamil Nadu, Arunraj pointed out that concerns about career impact may deter women from planning pregnancies. He emphasized equal familial responsibilities for men and women.
Earlier, Speaker J.C.D. Prabhakar and the minister flagged off an awareness rally to mark World Population Day, with Health Secretary Darez Ahamed also in attendance.
