The Oroqen people, the third smallest of the 56 ethnic groups in
China with a population of around 6,000, are now starting to adopt
the state family policy of “one-couple-one-child.”
According to local officials in charge of family planning in the
Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, so far 21 Oroqen families each
have only one child. Nine of these families have obtained
“One-Child Certificates” from the local government.
“One-Child” families can enjoy preferential policies in various
fields, according to official regulations.
Oroqen people used to rely on hunting but in recent years many
former hunters have turned to farming or other businesses, which
has resulted in changes in their views about life.
Last year, some Oroqen couples began applying for the “One-Child
Certificates” voluntarily, though the government says it is not
obligatory for such small minority groups like the Oroqen to adopt
the “One-Child” policy.
Sun Jiying, a 50-year old mother of three from Guli Village in the
Oroqen Autonomous Banner, has succeeded in persuading her three
children, who are all married, to acquire the “One-Child
Certificate”.
(People’s Daily 05/09/2001)