A Presbyterian church in Hualngohmun village, about 12 km south of Aizawl, has begun offering cash incentives to married couples who have children, following the Mizoram Synod’s call to encourage higher birth rates.
Under the initiative, couples receive Rs 1,000 for their first child, Rs 2,000 for their second, Rs 5,000 for their third and Rs 50,000 for their fourth. The incentive rises with each additional child, reaching Rs 1 lakh for families with 10 children. The awards are presented during Sunday worship services.
Church elder Lalchawimawia said the church has so far presented a maximum award of Rs 50,000 to one couple.
The initiative comes amid growing concern over Mizoram’s declining birth rate. Social workers have highlighted the state’s total fertility rate of 1.89 in 2024, below the replacement level of 2.1.
