In a bold move to boost birth rates, the Russian Republic of Karelia is set to grant 100,000 rubles (£1,000) to university, college, and technical school students who become parents before the age of 25. This payment will be made regardless of the child’s birth order within the family, announced Arthur Parfenchikov, head of the republic.
Parfenchikov also emphasised the ongoing need to extend and expand the maternal capital programme in Karelia, which currently stands at 105,500 rubles (£1,055). The initiative aligns with the regional government’s broader strategy to reverse the declining birth rates witnessed over recent years.
In 2022, Karelia saw the birth of over 4,300 children, marking a 15.4% decrease from the previous year, alongside nearly 4,000 marriages.
As part of the broader demographic challenge facing Russia, regional solutions such as this aim to incentivize family growth among younger demographics.
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The article is framed to align with the informative and analytical style of British journalism, providing context to the demographic issues and outlining the local government’s response. The converted currency figures serve to give clarity to an international readership that might not be familiar with the ruble.