In a bid to tackle the country’s declining population, Hohhot, the capital of China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, has unveiled a series of measures aimed at encouraging couples to have children. One of the key initiatives includes providing new mothers with a unique gift – a free glass of milk per day. This effort, dubbed the “One Glass of Milk to Care for New Mothers” program, is part of a broader strategy to support families and boost birth rates.
According to reports from Xinhua News Agency, over 20 provinces and regions across China have begun offering subsidies to help families with the costs of raising children. This move is seen as a crucial step by policymakers to promote marriage and childbearing among young couples. The subsidies are part of a multifaceted approach to address the challenges posed by the country’s dwindling population, which has been a pressing concern in recent years.
In Hohhot, couples can receive a one-time subsidy of 10,000 yuan for their first child, followed by an annual subsidy of 10,000 yuan for their second child until the child reaches the age of five. For families with a third child, the annual subsidy of 10,000 yuan will continue until the child turns 10. Notably, the total subsidy amount exceeds the average annual income of local residents by more than two times, making it a significant incentive for families.
The “One Glass of Milk” program, launched by Hohhot, offers new mothers who give birth after March 1st a free glass of milk per day. Additionally, they will be eligible to receive an electronic voucher worth 3,000 yuan from two leading dairy companies, Yili and China Mengniu Dairy. This innovative approach not only provides essential nutrition to new mothers but also acknowledges the importance of maternal care during the postpartum period.
As China continues to grapple with the challenges of a shrinking population, such measures are seen as vital in encouraging couples to start or expand their families. With the country’s birth rates declining steadily, policymakers are exploring various strategies to reverse this trend and ensure a more sustainable demographic future. The initiatives implemented in Hohhot and other regions reflect the government’s commitment to supporting families and promoting a culture that values childbearing and family growth.