Russian Region Offers Financial Incentives to Boost Birth Rates Among Female Students

In an effort to combat its demographic crisis, the Russian region of Karelia is offering a financial incentive of 100,000 rubles (approximately 81,000 INR) to female students under 25 who give birth to healthy babies. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to improve the country's declining birth rates, which have reached historic lows.

To qualify for the payment, applicants must be full-time students at a local university or college, under 25 years old, and residents of Karelia. However, the law specifies that this payment will not be awarded for stillbirths, and there are no clear guidelines regarding cases of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or births resulting in disabilities.

As of mid-2024, Russia's birth rate has significantly dwindled, with only 599,600 children born in the first half of the year—16,000 fewer than the same period in 2023. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov labeled the demographic situation as "catastrophic" for the nation's future.

In addition to the Karelia initiative, at least 11 regional governments across Russia are implementing similar financial incentives. The national government is also increasing maternity payments for new mothers, with first-time mothers set to receive 677,000 rubles in 2025, a rise from the previous year.

These governmental efforts come in response to the country's challenges, including high adult mortality rates, emigration, and the ongoing impacts of the war in Ukraine, which have further strained population growth. Despite the measures being put in place, experts express concern that these financial incentives alone may not address the underlying issues contributing to the demographic crisis.