Having a child is becoming increasingly expensive in many parts of the world. But one wealthy country is now offering families a substantial financial package to make the decision a little easier. Singapore has announced a new child-support package that will provide each eligible Singaporean child with around S$70,000 (nearly Rs 50 lakh) in direct government support from birth until the child turns 17. The move comes as the city-state struggles with a record-low birth rate and a rapidly ageing population.
The money, however, will not arrive as a single payment of Rs 50 lakh. Instead, it will come through several grants, cash payments and education-related support spread across the child's early years.
