Hohhot Implements Childcare Subsidies and Free Milk To Encourage Birth Rates
China’s Hohhot has launched advertising campaigns for childcare subsidies and free milk for new mothers to address falling birth rates. With marriage rates declining significantly, actions from more than 20 provincial governments aim to incentivize childbirth, countering demographic challenges stemming from historical policies and modern economic pressures.
In an effort to rejuvenate its declining birth rates, Hohhot, the capital of Inner Mongolia, has introduced comprehensive childcare subsidies and free milk for new mothers. This initiative is part of a broader strategy by various provincial administrations across China to incentivize young couples to marry and have children, as reported by the official Xinhua news agency.
China has experienced a demographic crisis, with a continuous population decline for three consecutive years and a significant drop in marriages, which fell by 20 percent, marking the largest decline in history. This downturn is largely attributed to the lingering effects of the one-child policy, rapid urbanization, and the high financial burden of raising children. Since 2021, couples are permitted to have up to three children.
During the recent parliamentary meeting, Premier Li Qiang emphasized the necessity for childcare subsidies and free preschool education to stimulate birth rates. An action plan released suggests the establishment of a robust childcare subsidy system.
In Hohhot, couples welcoming their first child will receive a one-time payment of 10,000 yuan (approximately $1,382.51), alongside an annual subsidy of the same amount for each subsequent child until they reach the age of five. For a third child, parents will benefit from an annual subsidy until the child turns ten, totaling approximately double the local average income. Additionally, mothers giving birth after March 1 will benefit from a daily allowance of free milk and an electronic voucher worth 3,000 yuan from leading dairy brands Yili and China Mengniu Dairy.
In summary, Hohhot’s strategic initiatives to provide childcare subsidies and nutritional support for mothers reflect an urgent response to China’s demographic challenges. As the nation grapples with decreasing birth rates, such policies aim to encourage family growth and mitigate the implications of a declining population. Continued efforts and comprehensive plans will be essential for fostering a supportive environment for families across China.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
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