Russia struggling with decreasing population, uproar over controversial scheme
Like many countries like China, Japan and Korea, Russia is also struggling with the problem of declining population and increasing elderly population. In view of this, the Orol province of Russia has implemented a new policy, under which girls of school age will be given economic reward for giving birth to children. Controversy has arisen over this decision.
What will be found under the scheme?
According to a report by Russian Media and Times of India, Oryol Regional Governor Andrei Clichkov has announced that schoolgirls will be given financial assistance of Rs 1,00,000 (about Rs 1 lakh). This scheme was earlier applicable only to university girl students, but now it has been increased to school and college girl students.
Criticism of Policy and Rescue of Governor
The scheme is being severely criticized, which has been clarified by Governor Andrei Clichkov. They said,
“Sometimes young girls are in difficult situations and can take wrong decisions. Our aim is to support them, so that the child’s life and mother’s health are safe.”
He also accused the media that his policy is being misrepresented and should be seen as social aid, not as sensational news.
Russia’s population crisis and government’s efforts
Russia has been facing a serious demographic crisis for a long time. The Ukraine war has allegedly lost 2,50,000 Russian soldiers, which has further increased population imbalance.
According to World Bank data:
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The birth rate per female in Russia is only 1.42, which is much lower than 2.1 required to maintain population.
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The mortality rate is also increasing continuously.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has also encouraged women to have more children, and many policies are being run to promote large families.
However, the debate on how moral and practical is to encourage schoolgirls to become a mother.
