AP CM Naidu Calls for Revival of Joint Family System, Shared Parenting Responsibilities
Amaravati, June 28 (TNT) : Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday called for the revival of the traditional Indian joint family system, describing it as one of the country’s greatest strengths in nurturing children with values and emotional support.
The Chief Minister made the remarks after administering polio drops to children at his camp office as part of the nationwide Pulse Polio Immunisation Programme.
Interacting with children and their parents, Naidu enquired about their health, vaccination status and upbringing, and urged parents to ensure that children receive all government-recommended vaccines on time.
Health and Family Welfare Department officials informed the Chief Minister that the State aims to administer polio drops to about 4.92 million children below the age of five during the three-day Pulse Polio campaign that began on Sunday.
During the interaction, Naidu discussed the challenges of raising children, particularly in households where both parents are employed.
He stressed that childcare should not be viewed solely as the mother’s responsibility and called upon fathers to play an equal role in parenting.
“Fathers and other family members must share the responsibility of bringing up children. Parenting should never be left entirely to mothers,” he said.
Emphasising the importance of the joint family system, the Chief Minister said grandparents and other family members play a crucial role in shaping children’s character by imparting values and providing emotional support.
Observing that societal attitudes towards having children are changing, Naidu said children should be regarded as a source of joy and strength rather than a burden.
Reiterating the State government’s commitment to promoting larger families, he said awareness is being created on the importance of having two or more children while fostering a family-friendly social environment.
Director of Secondary Health K.V.N. Chakradhar Babu and officials of the National Health Mission (NHM) were present.
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