New Delhi, May 19 -- Andhra Pradesh chief minister Chandrababu Naidu's recent announcement to provide cash incentives to families for having a third and fourth child has reignited a debate. How can a state in arguably the world's most populated country encourage people to have more children?

While making this announcement during a public meeting in Srikakulam district, Naidu said, "Population growth is declining. Children should be viewed as the nation's wealth, not a burden. The government would provide Rs.30,000 for families on the birth of a third child and Rs.40,000 for the birth of a fourth child, as part of efforts to encourage population growth."

Naidu's latest announcement comes after an earlier proposal in which he had suggeste...