Aizawl, February 8, 2008 (PTI): Moving against the tide, Mizoram is planning to encourage population growth. Even as the Centre seeks to check the country’s population boom, the Mizo National Front Government is contemplating a slew of measures to encourage births.
According to Chief Minister Zoramthanga, his government is planning to extend maternity benefits for the birth of up to four children. Elsewhere, these are available only for two births.
Mr. Zoramthanga told journalists here that he is concerned about the small size of the State’s population. According to him, the population is 8,91,958 and it this one reason why the State feels isolated from the rest of the country. “That is why we are in favour of more population…,” he said, pointing out that the State’s birth rate was low.
He said the Church was playing a major role in this regard, “helping us to a great extent.” The State has a Christian population and religion has a major influence on the government’s polices and programmes.
Source: The Hindu
