Reward for fifth child

KOCHI: “The scheme was launched not with any communal or religious purpose. We should recognise large families. Often, those who have more than three children have to face insults. We thought of recognising them. The decision to encourage the concept of large family was launched with the full support of the parishioners. The proposal to deposit the amount for the fifth child, which was presented by pro-life activists in the parish, was unanimously approved by the parish council,” said Salu, who is also a member of the parish. “I think it is better to have more children in the family,” said Advocate K A Jose, father of four and a member of the Kalpetta parish. “In many cases, people restrict the number of children to two, just because of their bad financial condition. There are many who would otherwise prefer to have more children,” he said. The KCBC though was quick to distance itself from the cash reward offer by the St Vincent De Paul parish. “It’s true that KCBC advocates the concept of large families. But we have not offered any cash incentive to those who beget more children,” said Fr Stephen Alathara, spokesperson and deputy secretary of KCBC.