Through a set of measures to support dignified family life and birth rate growth, the government allocated a record 50 million euros for the year, announced the Minister of Economic Development Jakov Milatović.
As reported by the Ministry of Economic Development, Milatović said this at a meeting with representatives of the Parents Association, Kristina Mihailović and Lepa Žunjić.
At the meeting, as stated, it was assessed as very important that the issue of demography and demographic policy is finally emphasized and that significant space is given to the issue in order to continue to act systematically.
Milatović stated that the Ministry recognized the pressing problem of Montenegrin society and analyzed in detail the situation that led to major demographic changes, and started creating a set of measures from the economic aspect to support the birth rate and restore the positive trend of natural increase.
As he said, for the first time this issue is in the focus of public policy makers who recognized the problem in time and adopted measures aimed at preventing the spread of threats to demographic survival in the long term.
"Through a set of measures to support a dignified family life and increase in the birth rate, this government has allocated a record 50 million euros for the year," said Milatović.
Milatović stated that free textbooks for primary school children, child allowance for all children and cash allowance for newborns, along with the Europe Now program, must be part of every budget because, as he added, only in that way will long-term results be achieved.
He emphasized his respect for the work of the Parents Association and their concept in socio-economic reality.
"You are recognized as the bearer of numerous important initiatives in the direction of improving all aspects of parenting and growing up of our children, and I am very pleased that we will have the opportunity to create better conditions for our citizens, that is, the most important, our children," added Milatović.
As announced, the Association of Parents agrees that the problems in the field of demography are serious and that a systemic solution is needed with the interdepartmental cooperation of all relevant institutions that play a key role in socially responsible policy making.
From that association, they emphasized that it is also important because in this way a comprehensive overview of the family's needs will be provided and measures will be taken that, apart from one-time incentives, will also include measures that will improve health, social and educational policies.
Mihailović pointed out that the Parents Association gives full support to all adopted measures that will improve the demographic situation, including positive natural growth.
She said that they are very aware that this problem exists, but that it is also not unsolvable.
"It is necessary to work additionally on active measures and improving the quality of services that provide support to families and the quality development of our children," said Mihailović.
The Ministry stated that in order to take further steps in creating a better economic, educational, work and business life balance and social environment for parents and children, at the meeting it was agreed, with the support of the Association, to form an interdepartmental Working Group that will analyze the current situation in detail .
"And give clear recommendations, guidelines and measures of action in various areas, which will serve as the basis for the creation and work of the specially formed Office for Demography of Montenegro", the statement added.
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