The Sikkim government on July 18 implemented the 'Proud Mother' scheme to increase the decreasing fertility in the state.

The Commissioner cum Secretary Health Vishal Chohan IAS has ordered a financial grant to mothers delivering first child at Rs 7000 and for a second child, Rs 10,000. Apart from this, they will also be given Rs 500 per month for six years. The concerned 'Proud Mothers' scheme will cover original Sikkimese including Lepcha, Bhutia and Nepali. With the spread of education, modernization and changing values the society has been transforming here. The women, in Sikkim, seem to be disliking pregnancy and have been avoiding motherhood. The increasing cost of daily necessities is believed be also one of the reasons.