Mizoram Minister Robert Romawia Royte announces prize for having most number of children

AIZAWL: A Mizoram Minister has announced a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh to the parent who has the highest number of children in his Assembly constituency to encourage population growth among the demographically small Mizo communities.

Mizoram's Sports, Youth Affairs and Tourism Minister Robert Romawia Royte, who was elected to the 40-member State Assembly from the Aizawl East-2 constituency, did not mention the minimum or a maximum number of children a parent must have to get the award.

"It was my announcement on Father's Day (Sunday). The prize money would be sponsored by the NECS (North East Consultancy Services). Mizoram has a population density of only 52 persons per sq km, whereas the national average is 382 persons per sq km," the minister told IANS over the phone on Monday night.

Royte (54), is the father to three daughters and a son. The NECS, a private organization, is the official sponsor of Aizawl Football Club (AFC), a leading football club in the region.

Royte, who is the owner of AFC and is a leading organizer of sporting events in the region, said the person who would be chosen for the award would also get a certificate and a trophy.

With his constant initiatives, sports was accorded industry status in Mizoram last year to further bolster sporting activities by attracting investment.

Mizoram is the first state in India to declare sports as an industry to generate employment in the State. "The infertility rate and the declining growth rate of the Mizo population has been a serious concern for many years. Mizoram is far below the optimum number of people to attain development in various fields because of the gradual decrease in its population. "Lesser population is a very serious matter and a major impediment for small communities or tribes to survive and progress," said Royte, who had joined the ruling Mizo National Front before the 2018 Assembly elections.

Royte's declaration came at a time when several States in India, including neighbouring Assam, are advocating a population control policy. "India, being diversified in various aspects, should have a diversified and flexible population policy. Glaring differences in population density in different parts of India is clear proof of the need for such a policy," Royte said.

The Minister, who has also encouraged women to participate in various sporting activities, said that some churches and influential civil society organizations, including the Young Mizo Association (YMA), are advocating a 'baby boom' policy to encourage population growth. (IANS)

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