The government has begun distributing monthly cash support under the Third Child Plus Programme, with close to 4,000 beneficiaries receiving their first payments during the initiative’s inaugural disbursement ceremony.
Under the programme, eligible third-born and subsequent children are entitled to a monthly allowance of Nu 10,000 from birth until they reach three years of age.
More than 5,400 children have registered since the scheme was launched on the 4th of last month. During the ceremony, four beneficiaries were symbolically presented with Nu 10,000 each.
Among them were 42-year-old Naki from Pema Gatshel, who has four children, and 37-year-old Lungten Dema from Trashigang, a mother of three.
Lungten Dema said the financial assistance would provide significant relief to families with limited incomes.
“I am not employed and my husband earns very little. This initiative will help me greatly, as well as other women who are in similar circumstances. I am very grateful to the government and hope that future governments will continue supporting families through such programmes,” she said.
Naki said the allowance would be particularly valuable to parents living in rural communities.
“This is my fourth child. The support will benefit not only me but mothers across the country. Many families in rural areas will gain from this initiative,” she said.
Around 1,500 registered beneficiaries are yet to receive their first payment because their bank account and personal details are still being verified. Officials expect the remaining payments to be released in the coming days.
Programme Manager Sangay Tenzin said the health ministry was coordinating with banks, district administrations and beneficiaries to complete the verification process.
He explained that some records obtained from the civil registration system did not contain valid contact details, making it difficult for officials to reach the beneficiaries concerned.
“We have requested the districts to assist us in verifying the information. We hope to disburse the remaining payments within one or two weeks,” he said.
Officials also clarified that some beneficiaries may receive less than Nu 10,000 in their first or final payment because the allowance is calculated according to the child’s date of birth.
Children born on or before the 15th of a month qualify for the full monthly payment. For those born after the 15th, the first instalment is calculated at a daily rate of Nu 330.3.
A similar calculation applies when a child turns three. Those reaching the age of three on or before the 15th receive a prorated final payment, while children turning three after the 15th receive the complete monthly allowance.
Sangay Tenzin also warned beneficiaries against fraud after reports emerged of individuals pretending to represent the programme and requesting personal information, including one-time passwords. He urged the public not to disclose bank credentials or OTPs to unauthorised persons.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Health Secretary said the programme’s success should not be assessed only through the number of recipients or the amount of money distributed.
Its impact, he said, would be evident in healthier children, more secure parents and stronger families. He added that every child should receive the best possible start in life and that parents should be able to raise their children without excessive financial pressure.
The programme is expected to cost approximately Nu 858 million until 2029 for the current 5,458 registered children. As more children become eligible, expenditure is projected to rise to about Nu 1.5 billion over the next three years and Nu 2.2 billion over five years.
Officials described the scheme as a long-term government commitment funded through the finance ministry and subject to annual review. The Cabinet approved the initiative after examining its projected financial implications.
The Third Child Plus Programme forms part of the government’s response to the country’s declining fertility rate, which has fallen below the replacement level of 2.1 children per woman.
