To improve the demographic situation in the Ulyanovsk region, local authorities have declared September 12 the day off as part of Governor Sergei Morozov’s initiative dubbed “Give Birth to a Patriot.” Pravda.ru readers were requested to speak their minds on the governor’s initiative and the idea of a nationwide extra day off that would be used for procreation purposes.
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The Russian media previously reported that Morozov had decided to declare September 12 “Conception Day” – a holiday to encourage people to go forth and multiply. He was reportedly going to call on the Russian government to follow suit. Speaking to Pravda.ru, a spokesperson for the governor’s office called the reports a “groundless rumor.” The new holiday would be called “Family Contact Day,” the spokesperson said. A different name cannot change the essence of the holiday, which is apparently aimed at improving the demographic situation in the region.
The Ulyanovsk initiative, called “Give Birth to a Patriot,” has been held in the region since 2005. Local officials point out positive results of the last year’s contest that was designed to encourage families to have children on the June 12, the Russia Day state holiday. About 80 babies were born in the region on June 12, 2006. The governor expressed satisfaction about the way his instructions were being followed.
The governor’s initiative gave rise to a public debate in the region. Although some local politicians characterize the idea as praiseworthy, they believe a sensible approach should be used for dealing with issues relating to procreation. Others are reportedly fuming at the idea. “Are we supposed to live our lives by order of the governor from now on?” the angry ones were quoted as saying. Some local officials are confident that the government should not meddle in one’s private life.
At the request of Pravda.ru, our readers provided comments on the above initiative of Ulyanovsk’s governor:
Ruslan, 26: “No rules or ‘holidays’ can spark the feelings of attraction. If young spouses want to increase the number of people living in this country, they will do it night or day, on a kitchen table or a park bench or at the backseat of a car. I believe politicians should keep off the matters related to one’s bedroom.”
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