Bill scrapping two-child norm for ryots’ organisations passed in A.P. Assembly

The Andhra Pradesh Assembly on Monday paved the way for the removal of the two-child norm that disqualifies farmers from being the office-bearers of water users’ associations and water distribution and project committees by passing the A.P. Farmers – Management of Irrigation Systems (Amendment) Bill, 2026. 

The APFMIS Act of 1997 barred individuals from being selected or continuing as chairpersons,  vice-chairpersons, presidents, vice-presidents or members of the managing committees of the above farmers’ organisations if they had more than two children.

Moving the Amendment Bill, 2026, Water Resources Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu said the objective of introducing the norm at that time was to address the population explosion witnessed during the 1980s and 1990s, which posed serious concerns to national food security and was linked to poverty-related issues. 

Considering that the practical relevance of the norm and its effectiveness required reassessment in the light of the present demographic reality (AP’s Total Fertility Rate being only 1.6 in rural areas against the national rate of 2.1 in 2019 – 21), the government concluded that maintaining the rate at the optimal level of 2.1 was essential. 

“Having felt that the sub-optimal rate would adversely affect the State’s demographic dividend in the future, the government decided to do away with the above norm,” Mr. Ramanaidu said.  

It (the government) noted that since the norm might inadvertently disqualify otherwise capable candidates from local governance, irrespective of their merit, thereby limiting inclusivity and representation, the norm must be scrapped, the Minister added.