Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday praised Vizianagaram MP Appalanaidu Kalisetti for his commitment, hard work, and innovative ideas during a meeting with Telugu Desam Party (TDP) MPs in Parliament, including Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu.
Speaking to ANI after the meeting, Kalisetti said the Prime Minister acknowledged his efforts, particularly a unique initiative he announced in March 2025 to encourage families to have a third child. Under the scheme, women giving birth to a third child receive Rs 50,000 if the child is a girl, or a cow if it is a boy — with the reward funded from Kalisetti’s own salary.
The offer, announced on International Women’s Day, has drawn widespread attention and praise across Andhra Pradesh for combining population growth incentives with women’s empowerment. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has also lauded the move, which aligns with the state’s broader push to encourage larger families.
Kalisetti’s initiative is being hailed as a socially impactful step that blends cultural values with economic support, reflecting his proactive approach to addressing demographic challenges.