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Monday, April 23, 2012

Government to encourage more singles to get married and make babies: DPM Teo

The Government would like to encourage more singles to get married, said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister-in-Charge of Population Issues Teo Chee Hean.

He was speaking to the media yesterday at a Babies Day Out event at the Pasir Ris-Punggol Group Representation Constituency (GRC).

"I am very happy to see that when couples get married, they do want to have children," Mr Teo said.

"What we need is an environment which is supportive of families and also, we need everyone - community, parents, grandparents, family and friends to support young families to have children.

"There are really many initiatives and the Government can only do so much. A lot really depends on individuals."

Encouraging married couples to have babies is a top priority for the Government. Singapore's total fertility rate has been falling in recent years and hit a record low of 1.15 in 2010.

It went up slightly last year to 1.20, which was still well below the 2.1 rate needed to maintain the population at its current levels.

More than 100 babies took part in yesterday's event at the Sengkang Community Club. Advisors from Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC were there to congratulate winners of the various contests held in conjunction with the baby show.

The event also celebrated family life and parenthood in the community.

ORIGINAL SOURCE
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