Health Minister K.G. Arunraj and Speaker J.C.D. Prabhakar felicitating a healthcare worker at an event held to mark World Population Day on Saturday.
| Photo Credit: Special arrangement
Tamil Nadu’s Total Fertility Rate (TFR) stands at 1.3, which is lower than the replacement level of 2.1, Health Minister K.G. Arunraj said on Saturday. The State’s TFR was 1.4 in 2025.The Minister said India’s TFR was 1.9. The TFR indicates the number of children expected to be born per woman during the entire span of her reproductive period. A replacement level of 2.1 is considered necessary to maintain population stability.“When compared to other States, Tamil Nadu is gradually becoming an ageing society. Currently, 16 out of 100 persons are aged above 60. In the next 10 years, one in five persons will be aged above 60. There are multiple reasons [for this], including economic factors. Addressing these factors would be the right thing to do, going beyond considering incentives [for childbirths] at the outset. The situation could change gradually if we analyse and address these factors,” he told reporters on the sidelines of an event to mark World Population Day.Speaking at the event, Dr. Arunraj said in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh, an incentive of ₹30,000 was granted for the third child and ₹40,000 for the fourth.Schemes such as one-year maternity leave for women, two-month paternity leave for men, and free education for children were being implemented. In Tamil Nadu, the healthcare services should be strengthened in a way that prioritises women, he said, according to a press release.The Minister said every childbirth should take place in healthcare institutions. Deliveries should not be attempted at home. The government is deliberating on taking stringent criminal action under public health laws in such cases, he said.He also emphasised the need for adequate spacing between pregnancies. There should be at least a gap of two to three years to ensure proper child growth and development as well as the mother’s health and mental well-being.During pregnancy, women may experience vomiting, giddiness, diabetes, or hypertension. Soon after childbirth, they may have to stay awake at night to care for the newborn. In such circumstances, it is important for men in the family to share the responsibilities, so women feel assured that they have support, he said.He said 41 out of every 100 working women in the country are from Tamil Nadu, reflecting the State’s progress. When women think that childbirth could affect their future, they may hesitate to plan a pregnancy. So, it is important to understand that men and women have equal responsibility in a family, he said, according to the release.Earlier, Speaker J.C.D. Prabhakar and Dr. Arunraj flagged off an awareness rally to mark World Population Day. Health Secretary Darez Ahamed was also present at the event. Published - July 11, 2026 11:17 pm IST
