In a separate set of worries posed on the population front for Russia. President Vladimir Putin has asked women to give birth to 10 babies each in lieu of 1 million Russian Ruble equal to the current 13 Lakh INR.
The women giving birth to 10 children will also be conferred with the recognition of ‘Mother Heroine. This is the same award that was given to women during the Second World War when the population in the erstwhile USSR was on a rapid fall. In 1991 when Russia came into existence falling apart from the USSR the award was discontinued.
The update about this latest development on population was given in a notification released by President Putin on 15th August. Women will be given the entire money in a single installment only after their 10th child will turn 1 year old.
The notification further says even though the mother loses her child in any accident or any medical complication the state will fulfill its obligation and will pay the entire amount of 1 million rubles.
This bizarre announcement about the birth of a woman’s 10th child has attracted criticism from different parts of the country and the globe. Expert on the matters of Russian polity and security Dr. Jenny Mathers has condemned the state orders in response to the falling population.
Dr. Mathers said it is a too deplorable step, it is clear that there has been a decrease in the population and sufficient efforts are also been made on that front since the 90s. The situation deteriorated post the Russia-Ukraine after several Russian soldiers lost their lives.
Dr. Mathers further added “That COVID has devastated the lives of people around the globe. It might be a step to encourage people for stepping up over the current population crisis, but how can one look after the need of 10 children in a mere 13 Lakh INR?
The state doesn’t even have a stable plan for it when the country itself is facing a tripartite crisis on the economic, societal, and political front.”