Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, has announced childcare subsidies and free daily milk for new mothers to combat declining birth rates. This initiative is part of a broader effort by over 20 Chinese provinces to encourage young couples to marry and have children, in response to record drops in marriages and ongoing demographic challenges.
In the capital of Inner Mongolia, Hohhot, the government has introduced a series of childcare subsidies aimed at enhancing the country’s declining birth rate. This initiative includes provisions for new mothers, such as offering a daily cup of free milk. An increasing number of provincial administrations across China are now implementing similar childcare support systems, reflecting a strategic focus on encouraging family growth among younger couples.
China’s demographic challenges are evident, with the population decreasing for the third consecutive year and marriages dropping by 20%, representing the sharpest decline in history. This situation is attributed in part to the historical one-child policy (1980-2015), rapid urbanization, and the high expenses associated with family upbringing. Since 2021, couples have been permitted to have up to three children to counteract these trends.
During the recent annual parliamentary meeting, Premier Li Qiang highlighted plans to enhance birth rates through childcare subsidies and free preschool education. The government is determined to establish a sustainable childcare subsidy system to stimulate domestic consumption and boost family size.
Hohhot’s financial incentives include a one-time payment of 10,000 yuan (approximately $1,382.51) for firstborns and an annual subsidy of 10,000 yuan for the second child until the age of five. Expecting families with a third child will receive a similar annual subsidy until the child is 10 years old, costing the local administration about double the average annual income of residents.
Additionally, the local government has launched the “One Cup of Milk Fertility Care Action for Mothers,” which grants new mothers a complimentary cup of milk daily, alongside an electronic voucher worth 3,000 yuan for dairy products from local companies Yili and China Mengniu Dairy, effective for births post-March 1.
In summary, the initiatives announced in Hohhot and other regions are significant steps towards reversing China’s declining birth rates. By providing financial incentives and support for new families, the government aims to encourage higher marriage and birth rates. These measures reflect a broader commitment to addressing the demographic challenges facing the nation and ensuring a sustainable future for its population.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
