Sikkim, a little state tucked away in the Himalayas, is renowned for its stunning scenery, wide variety of ethnic groups, and rich cultural history. However, a shrinking population and a falling birthrate threaten its distinct character and future. While India as a whole is on track to surpass the United States as the most populated nation ever, Sikkim's government has turned to financial incentives to get its citizens to have more children.
Sikkim's Three-Pronged Strategy Aims to Reverse Birthrate Decline
India's population growth is characterized by stark regional disparities. While certain underdeveloped northern states considerably contribute to the country's total population growth, other regions, especially in the south, exhibit aging populations and falling birthrates similar to those of East Asia and Western Europe.
Due to insufficient economic prospects, many young men and women in Sikkim are forced to look for work outside of the state, delaying marriage and decreasing the number of children born.
Unlike many rural parts of India, Sikkim has empowered women with greater freedom and higher labor force participation rates, leading to career-focused choices and fewer early marriages.The Lepchas, the Bhutias, and the Hindu Nepalis, three of Sikkim's dominant ethnic groups, are deeply concerned about the cultural fabric's survival. According to New York Times, the state's population is facing a substantial reduction due to a low birth rate of 1.1, significantly below the national average of 2, and a low replacement level of 2.1, endangering its cultural variety.
The Sikkim government has responded by implementing a three-pronged approach to stop the birthrate's decline. It has been providing financial incentives for childless couples of reproductive age seeking in vitro fertilization (IVF) therapy since August. Couples with one kid may also be eligible for a monthly allowance of about $80 if they have further children. Civil servants are also being enticed with salary increases, yearlong maternity leaves, and even babysitting services if they expand their families.
Cash Incentives and I.V.F. Treatment to Reverse Birthrate Plunge
Sikkim believes that IVF therapy would help individuals who want to have children, even though many nations have tried to increase birthrates with varying degrees of success. The first IVF procedure costs around $3,600, and the government pays for the second procedure, which costs about $1,800.
But the government must fight against the pervasive stigma attached to IVF, which includes untrue claims that children born via the technique are produced in "plastic boxes" or are not genetically connected to their parents. According to Times of India, officials have initiated mass media education efforts to inform the public about the advantages and reality of IVF in an effort to debunk these myths and protect their way of life.
According to The Quint, over 100 couples have chosen IVF treatment since the policy's introduction, and the number of applications is growing.Yogesh and Rupa Sharma, a couple who have made numerous unsuccessful attempts, eagerly embraced the opportunity that the government offered. Mr. Sharma openly shares his family's I.V.F. journey, aiming to encourage others to consider the treatment as a viable option.
The battle for Sikkim's survival is underway as the state grapples with the urgent need to boost birthrates to preserve its rich cultural heritage. With cash incentives and I.V.F. support, the government hopes to reverse the declining population trend and ensure a sustainable future for Sikkim's diverse communities.
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