Moscow, September 17: As the birth rate in the country goes down, Russian President Vladimir Putin urged citizens to have sex during work breaks. According to him, this is a smart way to mitigate the problem of decreasing population in the country. Russia is facing a fertility rate of just 1.5 children per woman, which is significantly below the 2.1 rate needed to maintain population stability. This low rate could lead to a shrinking population, an ageing demographic, and potential economic and social challenges in the future. 

A report by Metro, When a reporter asked how busy people manage to have children, pointing out that some work 12 to 14 hours a day, she asked, "When do they even have time to make babies?" He humorously replied, "During their break times." Vladimir Putin Hails India’s Rising Success Under PM Narendra Modi As NSA Ajit Doval Briefs Russian President on Ukraine Visit (Watch Videos).

Health Minister Yevgeny Shestopalov emphasised the critical importance of Russia's population growth, stating, "The fate of Russia depends on how many of us there will be. It is a matter of national importance." He dismissed the notion that being busy at work is a valid excuse, calling it a poor justification. "You can find time for procreation during breaks," he remarked, "because life moves too quickly to let such excuses stand in the way." BRICS Summit 2024: NSA Ajit Doval Meets Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow (See Pics and Video).

Apart from this, women aged 18 to 40 in Moscow are being encouraged to attend free fertility checks to evaluate their reproductive potential, as MP Tatyana Butskaya has developed a plan for employers to encourage women to have children.

Butskaya added, Large families are being seen as the new elite, and regional governors are tasked with tracking birth rates. Employers are encouraged to monitor if eligible employees have had children each year, with the goal of increasing birth rates in the coming year.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 17, 2024 07:47 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).