Russia Amidst the echo of the war going on on earth, a new problem has now raised its head – decreasing population. This issue has become so serious that Vladimir Putin’s government is having to consider taking very unique and bold steps to solve it. Now the proposal to create a “Ministry of Sex” has become the center of discussion in Russia. The objective of this ministry will be to encourage citizens to increase the population of the country, in which financial help will be provided for love, marriage and having children.
How will the ‘Sex Ministry’ work?
According to Russian media reports, the proposal is being prepared by the “Family Protection, Paternity, Maternity, and Childhood Committee” of the country’s parliament. The head of this committee, Nina Ostanina, is considered a close ally of President Putin. He believes that this step is very important to increase the birth rate in Russia.
Some main proposals:
- Funding for the first date:
The government will provide financial assistance of 5,000 rubles (approximately Rs 4,820) to youth going on a first date. Its purpose is to inspire youth to form relationships and move towards marriage. - Financial assistance for honeymoon:
Couples will get a fund of up to 26,300 rubles (approximately Rs 22,351) for staying in hotels for the first night after the wedding. This initiative will motivate couples to start a family sooner after marriage. - Special benefits to women staying at home:
Housewives will be given money as a special incentive, which will also be added to their future pension. - Internet and electricity shut down at night:
According to another suggestion, it is proposed to shut down the internet and electricity from 10 pm to 2 am, so that couples are encouraged to spend time together. - Reproduction permitted in office:
Russian Health Minister Yevgeny Shestopalov has suggested that lunch breaks and coffee breaks in the office could be used for reproduction.
Causes and effects of population crisis
The country has seen a sharp decline in the rate of population growth due to the Russia-Ukraine war. Due to the war, many youth of the country have postponed the idea of marriage and forming a family. Facing this problem, the Putin government had earlier implemented fertility testing programs and various economic incentive schemes for women.
Incentives at regional level:
In areas like Khabarovsk, Russia, women aged 18-23 are given up to 97,000 rubles (about Rs 82,387) for having a child. Whereas in Chelyabinsk region, this amount can be up to 76 lakh rubles for the first child.
