DAWA ZANGMO | Thimphu
The Government’s Third Child Plus Programme (TCPP) is providing monthly financial support to eligible families as part of efforts to ease the economic responsibilities associated with raising children and address Bhutan’s declining fertility rate.
During the 30th meet the press session on August 7, 2026, where Health Minister Tandin Wangchuk highlighted the importance of supporting families and strengthening Bhutan’s population and clarified that Bhutanese living abroad will also be eligible for this scheme if they wish to do so.
The TCPP forms part of the Government’s broader response to the country’s changing demographic situation. Through monthly cash assistance, the programme seeks to provide additional financial support to eligible families raising a third child.
For families, the cost of raising children includes household expenses, education, healthcare and other daily needs. The monthly support under the programme is intended to help families manage some of these responsibilities.
Dorji Wangmo, a Bhutanese parent living in Perth, Australia, said regular financial assistance could provide some relief to families raising three children.
“The monthly support can help families manage some of the expenses involved in raising children. For families with three children, even regular financial assistance can help ease some of the pressure from household expenses who struggle like us,” she said.
For Tshering Dorji, a Bhutanese parent living in the New York, USA, the financial responsibilities increase as families have more children, particularly when considering education, healthcare and everyday needs.
“Raising three children involves considerable financial responsibilities, especially for education, healthcare and their daily requirements. Government assistance can help families manage some of these expenses,” he said.
Dechen Lhamo, a Bhutanese parent living in London, UK, said financial assistance is one of the forms of support that can help families when raising children.
“Family support programmes are important because raising children requires both time and financial resources. Providing assistance to families can create a more supportive environment for parents who are considering having more children,” she said.
This program is aimed at providing families with financial support while contributing to the Government’s efforts to respond to declining fertility and changing population trends.
Lyonpo Tandin Wangchuk said the programme reflects the Government’s commitment to strengthening families and creating an environment where raising children is better supported.
“Bhutan’s greatest strength lies in its people,” the Minister said, recalling the message shared by Prime MinisterTshering Tobgay during the inaugural cash disbursement ceremony of the programme.
The Minister said that while Bhutan continues to invest significantly in infrastructure and national development, the long-term value of these investments ultimately depends on having a vibrant population that can sustain development and contribute to the country’s future.
The Government has therefore positioned the TCPP as part of a broader effort to strengthen the foundations of Bhutanese society by supporting families and encouraging population growth.
The initiative comes against the backdrop of Bhutan’s demographic transition, with declining fertility and population growth becoming increasingly important considerations for national development planning.
For a small country, demographic changes have implications beyond population numbers. They can affect the future workforce, economic growth, public services and the sustainability of national development.
The Government has consequently placed greater emphasis on policies that support families and create conditions conducive to raising children. Through monthly financial assistance, the TCPP seeks to reduce some of the economic responsibilities associated with raising children and provide families with additional support.
The programme is also intended to support families as they make decisions regarding family size. The financial assistance is designed to help eligible families meet some of the costs associated with raising a third child.
For Bhutanese families living overseas, the Government has also clarified that eligible families can receive benefits under the programme, regardless of whether they are residing in Bhutan or abroad.
Lyonpo Tandin Wangchuk made the clarification in response to a question during the meet the press on whether Bhutanese families living overseas would qualify for the programme if they have a third child.
The Minister said the programme applies to eligible Bhutanese families irrespective of their place of residence.
The clarification means that geographical location alone will not prevent qualifying Bhutanese families from accessing the support available under the programme, subject to meeting the established eligibility requirements.
For families seeking further information about the programme, including eligibility and registration, the government has established a dedicated helpline.
The inaugural cash benefit disbursement ceremony for the TCPP was held on July 26, 2026, marking the official commencement of cash benefit distribution. The ceremony was graced by Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay.
During the ceremony, four beneficiary families symbolically received their cash benefits from the Prime Minister. At the same time, eligible beneficiaries across the country received their payments through direct transfers to their registered bank accounts.
The launch of the cash benefit programme marks the implementation of one of the Government’s measures aimed at providing direct financial support to families and responding to Bhutan’s demographic challenges.
With monthly assistance provided to eligible families, the TCPP forms part of the Government’s wider efforts to strengthen family support and address concerns surrounding declining fertility and future population growth.
