The Singaporean government has prepared a large-scale new package of measures to increase the country's record-low birth rate and support families.
Modern.az reports that the new package provides for direct state support of up to approximately 70 thousand US dollars in total for each child under 17 years of age.
In addition, families will receive subsidies for kindergarten and childcare expenses, and the duration of parental leave will be increased.
For each newborn child, families will be paid a bonus of 10 thousand Singapore dollars – approximately 7,879 US dollars.
Families with children will also receive priority in the allocation of public housing.
These steps by the government are being taken against the backdrop of a sharp decline in the country's birth rate. The total fertility rate in Singapore is currently 0.87, which is significantly lower than the indicator required to ensure population reproduction.
However, experts believe that financial support alone may not be enough to increase the birth rate. Among young people, in addition to the costs of raising children, concerns about high competition in the education system, work culture, social pressure, and loss of personal freedom are also widespread.
According to surveys, almost one-third of respondents state that no government policy will increase their desire to have children.
