Russia is struggling with a low birth rate. In a new move to fix this, the government is offering schoolgirls $1,200 to have children. The country is facing a big demographic crisis after losing many soldiers in the Ukraine War. As part of the effort for Russia offers schoolgirls, girls in full-time education in the Oryol region can now receive this one-time payment. The announcement was made by Governor Andrei Klychkov.
Oryol Region First to Offer Payments to Schoolgirls
The Oryol region, located about 200 miles south of Moscow, is the first in Russia to offer this payment to schoolgirls. The payment is 100,000 rubles, or around $1,200. This new rule starts this year. Girls in full-time education are eligible to receive the cash if they become pregnant. Governor Klychkov explained that the goal of the program is to boost the country’s birth rate, which is currently very low. This initiative shows how Russia offers schoolgirls a financial incentive to have children.
Expansion of Payment Program to All Female Students
Oryol had already been offering payments to female university students who had children. Now, Governor Klychkov has expanded the program to include schoolgirls. This means that all girls in full-time education, including those in high school and universities, can get the payment if they have children. The extension of this program to younger girls has caused quite a stir, with many people questioning the move. Russia offers schoolgirls the same benefits as university students in this effort.
Controversy and Backlash from the Public
The announcement quickly sparked a backlash from some news outlets and critics. They argued that the plan seemed controversial and that it could lead to difficult situations for young girls. The governor, however, defended the move. He said that the media had misunderstood the intention behind the decision. He insisted that the goal was to help young girls who might face tough situations.
Aimed at Helping Girls in Difficult Situations
Governor Klychkov explained that the goal of the program was not to encourage young girls to make controversial decisions but to offer support. He stated that many young girls in such situations may face tough choices and need help. He emphasized that the plan was meant to protect both the health of the mother and the life of the child. According to Klychkov, this payment was a form of social support to help residents of the region during a challenging time.
Russia Faces Serious Demographic Problems
Russia is facing a serious demographic crisis. The country’s birth rate is very low, with just 1.42 children born per woman. At the same time, Russia’s mortality rate is high. The combination of low birth rates and rising deaths is a growing problem. The government is worried about what this means for the future of the country. President Vladimir Putin has urged families to have three or more children. He has even condemned the “child-free” lifestyle as being extreme.
War Losses Make the Crisis Worse
The situation is even worse because of the losses in the Ukraine War. Since the war began in February 2022, Russia has lost about 250,000 soldiers, according to reports. These heavy losses have made the demographic crisis even more urgent. As the number of deaths rises, the need for more children becomes even more critical. Russia offers schoolgirls incentives to solve the problem and prevent the country’s population from shrinking further.
